Liberty Flames at UCLA Bruins ATS Prediction 12/29/18

Posts AdminArticles, Basketball, College Basketball

The UCLA Bruins (7-5) will be at home in Pauley Pavilion when they go head-to-head with the Liberty Flames (10-4). Action begins at 6 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 29, 2018, and can be seen on Pac-12 Network.

Liberty Flames vs. UCLA Bruins ATS Odds

Both teams thoroughly outplayed their last opponent. The Bruins defeated the Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons 96-71, while the Flames beat the Maine-Fort Kent Bengals 89-40.

Liberty played a flawless game. They had a free throw rate of 0.368 and an offensive rebounding percentage of 45.5. For those same stats, Maine-Fort Kent had marks of 0.054 and 22.0, respectively. UCLA, meanwhile, won the rebounding battle. The Bruins had 13 offensive rebounds and 52 total rebounds, while the Mastodons had six and 28, respectively. Kris Wilkes played a pivotal role for UCLA with 27 points and 10 rebounds. Liberty rallied around Scottie James, who put up 11 points and 11 rebounds.

The Flames’ James has been playing at a high level over his last five games, averaging 0 points per game. Meanwhile, Wilkes has averaged 0 points during that same time frame for the Bruins.

UCLA might struggle to find the bottom of the net as they go head-to-head against one of the country’s best defenses. Liberty ranks 43rd in defensive efficiency while the Bruins rank 163rd in offensive efficiency. Moreover, the Flames, who rank 295th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.195), will face off against the Bruins, who rank 52nd in opponents’ FTA rate (0.187).

Liberty Flames at UCLA Bruins Odds Pick

Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – UCLA, O/U – Over

Betting Notes:

  • Liberty ranks 14th in assists allowed per game (9.6) while UCLA ranks 213th (16.4).
  • The Bruins rank 16th in blocks per game (5.6) while the Flames rank 113th (2.9).
  • Liberty is 22nd in the country with 5.0 steals allowed per game while UCLA is 53rd with 5.8 steals allowed per game.
  • The Flames rank 35th in three pointers attempted per game (27.1) while the Bruins rank 231st in three pointers allowed per game (27.3).
  • UCLA ranks 12th in rebounds per game (42.2) while Liberty ranks 194th (34.2).

Bettings Trends:

  • The Flames’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 24.4, up from 17.6 for the season.
  • During their last five games, the Bruins have scored an average of 85.8 points per game (7.8 above their season average) and allowed an average of 72.2 points per game (1.4 below their season average).