College basketball is a long season and teams go through peaks and valleys all the time.
Arizona had their down point of the season, losing by 19 at Oregon last weekend, but responded nicely back at home against USC on Thursday, winning by 15. Now, they get a chance to re-announce themselves to the nation at home against UCLA, who has won 14 straight and is at their absolute peak.
The Bruins have been rolling and the shine has wore off of Arizona, but are the tables about to turn in Tucson on Saturday afternoon?
Let’s get to the bets:
UCLA vs. Arizona odds, spread and total
UCLA vs. Arizona prediction and pick
I think this is setting up for a great buy low spot on Arizona to essentially win the game outright against a UCLA team that has had to withstand several close calls in PAC-12 play. The Bruins trailed at halftime to both Colorado and Arizona State before massive runs led to lopsided margins. Teams have been able to push the UCLA defense, especially on the interior, and there is no better frontcourt than the Wildcats around Azuolas Tubelis and Oumar Ballo.
The Bruins are allowing teams to shoot 50% on two-point shots in conference play and Arizona is a top ten offense when it comes to two-point field goals, shooting over 57%. Further, the Wildcats are shooting a ghastly 29% from three in league play. This is a top 50 perimeter shooting team this season, but they can’t buy a bucket in league play.
The Wildcats have lost one home game in two years, two weeks ago to Washington State, and I think this is the time to buy the dip on them against a quality, but overvalued Bruins team. While UCLA is an elite team, so is Arizona and there isn’t much separating the two, so I give the nod to the home team.