Utah Utes (15-10, 6-8 Pac-12) travel to UCLA Bruins (14-11, 9-5) for a Pac-12 matchup. On one hand, the hosts are on a six-game winning streak. Meanwhile, the away side has lost four of their last five games. But their last defeat came against USC on the road by four points. Therefore, the current spread makes sense. The home team deserves to be favored, but it’s likely to be closer than expected. However, the line is shifting more in favor of the home side. However, both teams are over above .500 right now. But in conference play, the hosts are doing much better.
Do you see the away side able to keep it close this afternoon?
Utah Utes vs UCLA Bruins Betting Odds and Details
| Team | Spread | Total | MoneyLine |
| Utah Utes | +4.5 +100 |
O 135 -115 |
+170 |
| UCLA Bruins | -4.5 -120 |
U 135 -105 |
-205 |
| ** Odds Courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook** | |||
Fixture: Utah Utes @ UCLA Bruins
Date And Time: February 18, 2024 @ 7:00 p.m. EST
Location: Pauley Pavillion in Los Angeles, California
Key Stats
Utah Utes (Averages)
Points: 78.6
Points Allowed: 73.0
Field Goal Efficiency: 29.3/62.8 for 46.6%
Three-Pont Efficiency: 8.7/24.3 for 35.9%
Free Throw Efficiency: 11.3/17.5 for 64.6%
Rebounds: 10.5 Offensive, 29.1 Defensive, 39.6 Combined
Assists: 17.5
Steals: 6.3
Blocks: 4.4
Turnovers: 11.9
Field Goal Efficiency Against: 27.0/64.0 for 42.3%
Three-Point Efficiency Against: 8.3/23.8 for 35.0%
Free Throw Efficiency Against: 10.6/16.1 for 65.9%
Rebounds Against: 10.7 Offensive, 26.2 Defensive, 36.9 Combined
Utah is on a three-game losing streak. But they have been competitive in three of their four games. They beat Colorado. Also, they played USC tough and took a good Arizona team to triple overtime. Therefore, this team can hang against a good team on any night. But they will face a tall task scoring against an improved UCLA defense.
Branden Carlson needs to have a big day. The Utah Utes points leader averages 16.9 points per game. However, USC found ways to slow him down. But before that game, Carlson contributed 25 and 27 points in the two games before that. Additionally, he controls the glass for this team. At 7.0 rebounds per game, he needs to limit the UCLA Bruins second-chance opportunities. Gabe Madsen provided three assists in his last game. But in three of their last five, he only got two assists or less. Therefore, if the Utah Utes are going to win, that number needs to be once again by at least three.
UCLA Bruins (Averages)
Points: 78.6
Points Allowed: 73.0
Field Goal Efficiency: 29.3/62.8 for 46.6%
Three-Pont Efficiency: 8.7/24.3 for 35.9%
Free Throw Efficiency: 11.3/17.5 for 64.6%
Rebounds: 10.5 Offensive, 29.1 Defensive, 39.6 Combined
Assists: 17.5
Steals: 6.3
Blocks: 4.4
Turnovers: 11.9
Field Goal Efficiency Against: 27.0/64.0 for 42.3%
Three-Point Efficiency Against: 8.3/23.8 for 35.0%
Free Throw Efficiency Against: 10.6/16.1 for 65.9%
Rebounds Against: 10.7 Offensive, 26.2 Defensive, 36.9 Combined
UCLA is one of the hottest teams in America. If not for a six-point loss at Arizona, then they’d be on a nine-game winning streak right now. Keeping the games low-scoring is critical for this UCLA team. Additionally, in five of their last six games, opponents have scored 63 or fewer points. This includes holding USC to only 50 points in an entire game! But today, their defense will be tested, especially down low against the Utah Utes.
Sebastian Mack leads this UCLA Bruins team in scoring. He averages 13.5 PPG, but there is slight concern. In two of his last five games, he scored in single digits. Additionally, Dylan Andrews often picks up when Mack isn’t able to produce as many points as UCLA would like. The sophomore has scored at least 12 points in his last six games. Furthermore, twice he went for 20 or more points in a game. He also leads the team in assists. Finally, Lazar Stefanovic will need to be a presence down low. Especially for a team that can enter scoring droughts, he’ll need to hit the offensive glass.
Game Prediction
I believe that the Utah Utes are under too much scrutiny, They haven’t won a lot but they are better than what their record shows. Additionally, they have shown the ability to play teams tough, only lacking plays at the end to pull off the final results. But against a talented UCLA team, points are going to be hard to come by. This is why I am picking Utah to cover the spread, as I expect this game to be close. But UCLA could easily sneak out a win in the end. Additionally, I see the under as the safer bet. Especially as defense is the better aspect of both teams.
Final Pick
Utah Utes +4.5 and Under 135
About the Author
Gabriel is a lifelong sports fan. Pick a sport, and he’ll enjoy talking about it with you! From football to soccer, combat sports, and volleyball! You can follow Gabriel on Twitter @BigTenGabriel to enjoy all of his great content. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel, where we do several shows daily. Also, check out our main page by clicking here! For more fantasy-specific sports content, visit our Total Apex Fantasy Sports website!
