The UCLA Bruins (9-6, 2-0 Pac-12) will be at Matthew Knight Arena to challenge the Oregon Ducks (9-5, 0-1 Pac-12) in a Pac-12 matchup. The game will air on ESPN at 9 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 10, 2019.
UCLA Bruins at Oregon Ducks Betting Odds
Both teams won big over their last opponent. The Ducks defeated the Portland State Vikings 84-57, while the Bruins beat the Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons 96-71.
The Bruins had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (37.1 vs. 13.3) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.595 vs. 0.430). Meanwhile, Oregon’s free throw rate was their largest advantage over Portland State. The Ducks had a rate of 0.520, while the Vikings posted a mark of 0.137. Oregon was lifted by Bol Bol, who had 12 points and 12 rebounds. Kris Wilkes had a good game for UCLA, recording 27 points and 10 rebounds.
This was a highly competitive series last year, as the teams split their two games last season. In the last contest, the Bruins won 86-78. One of UCLA’s biggest advantages was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 16-19 (84.2 percent), while the Ducks were just 5-11 (45.5 percent). This will be the first contest of the year between these two teams.
The Bruins’ Wilkes has been playing well over his last five games, averaging 0 points per game. Meanwhile, Bol has averaged 0 points during that same time frame for the Ducks.
Oregon figures to have the advantage on the defensive side of the ball. The Ducks rank 29th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.452), while UCLA is 154th in effective field goal percentage (0.522). It will also be a matchup of conflicting styles as the quick-paced Bruins rank 40th in possessions per game, while the more methodical Ducks rank 314th.
UCLA Bruins vs. Oregon Ducks Pick
Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Oregon, ATS Winner – Oregon, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- UCLA ranks ninth in rebounds per game (42.5) while Oregon ranks 182nd (35.0).
- The Ducks rank 124th in assists per game (13.8) while the Bruins rank 203rd in assists allowed per game (15.3).
- Oregon ranks 31st in blocks allowed per game (2.5) while UCLA ranks 67th (3.0).
- The Ducks rank 39th in steals allowed per game (5.4) while the Bruins rank 126th (6.9).
- UCLA averages 22.2 three pointers per game, which ranks 149th in the country. Oregon ranks 235th in three pointers allowed per game (26.5).
Bettings Trends:
- The Ducks’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 15.8, up from 8.5 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Bruins have scored an average of 85.8 points per game (6.9 above their season average) and allowed an average of 72.2 points per game (1.7 below their season average).
