The UCLA Bruins (18-9) live to see another day as they're set to take on the BYU Cougars (20-6) on Saturday night. UCLA's comeback win against Michigan State in the play-in game was electrifying. The overtime thriller saw UCLA overcome a double-digit deficit against Tom Izzo and the Spartans. Unfortunately for them, that victory just earns a meeting with one of the best teams in the country. Living under the shadow of Gonzaga in West Coast Conference, BYU is out to prove why they are better than their seeding depicts. Let’s continue our NCAA Odds series and make a UCLA-BYU prediction and pick.
Here is how the sportsbooks have set the odds:
NCAA Odds: UCLA-BYU Odds
UCLA Bruins +3.5 (-105)
BYU -3.5 (-115)
Over 138.5 Points (-110)
Under 138.5 Points (-110)
Why UCLA Could Cover The Spread
UCLA put their heart and grit on full display in Thursday nights play-in game against the Spartans. They were down and almost out when Michigan State began to implode. UCLA was able to take advantage of a plethora of second half mistakes by the Spartans. The Bruins came out with much more energy on the defensive end and allowed the struggling offense to create high percentage looks off of defensive stops. The win on Thursday night snapped a four game losing streak for the Bruins.
UCLA's success will lie on the status of team leader Johnny Juzang (14 ppg). Juzang rolled his ankle during Thursday's win and appeared to be in significant pain. He is expected to be available for Saturday night, but how comfortable will he be on the ankle? For UCLA's sake, we wish for the best. UCLA will look to play clean basketball and hope the Cougars beat themselves. The Bruins are 62nd in the nation in turnover percentage in 2021. With five players averaging double figures, the rest of the crew will have to pick up their leading scorer and keep up with a lethal Cougars offense.
Why BYU Could Cover The Spread
The BYU Cougars received an at-large bid after losing to Gonzaga in the West Coast Conference championship game. They have been in the shadows of the Zags all year, losing three of their games to the Bulldogs. The Cougars are a top-50 team in the nation on both ends of the floor and have the talent to make a deep run in this years tournament. There's not much to be said about this team. They are elite in all aspects. BYU is 16-3 SU as a favorite in 2021.
The Cougars are led by their three senior starters, Barcello, Brandon Averette, and Matt Haarms. The experience that this team possesses will be a difference maker in any matchup. With the added energy and attention of the tournament, experience plays a key role in a teams success. The seniors will be calm, cool, and collected in this round of 64 bout. All three seniors average double figures and Barcello has shot 48% from beyond the arc. They will have the green light early and often and will look to suck the life out of the Bruins early on. The Cougars shoot 48.2% from the field. They are 11-6-2 ATS when they shoot at least 43.9% from the field in 2021.
Final UCLA-BYU Prediction & Pick
The BYU Cougars are a contender that many people aren't looking at. It's time to show this team the recognition and respect that it deserves. BYU is better than a six seed and has a lot to prove on Saturday night. They will secure a dominant win against the Bruins in their coming out party. They are much better than the hobbled Bruins, especially on the defensive end. UCLA had an impressive win that will unfortunately be followed by a resounding loss.
FINAL MARCH MADNESS PICK USING NCAA ODDS: BYU -3.5 (-115)
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