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Arizona Wildcats at UCLA Bruins Betting Preview

The top two teams in the Pac-12 will square off Tuesday night as the No. 3 Arizona Wildcats (16-1, 6-0 in Pac-12) take on the No. 7 UCLA Bruins (13-2, 5-1 in Pac-12). The Bruins will host this one at the Pauley Pavilion, with tipoff scheduled for 11:00 pm ET.

Since losing to No. 18 Tennessee back in December, the Arizona Wildcats have strung together five straight wins, including a 96-71 win over Cal on Sunday.

In the win, Arizona had five players score in double digits, led by center Christian Koloko. He had a double-double with 19 points and 13 rebounds.

The Bruins are on a three-game winning streak since losing to unranked Oregon 84-81 at home back on January 13. In their latest contest, the Bruins took down Colorado on the road 71-65.

Johnny Juzang led all scorers in the contest with 23 points. Jaime Jaquez Jr. added 14 points, five rebounds, and four assists in the victory.

Arizona is the slight favorite despite playing on the road. They are -140 to win while the Bruins’ moneyline sits at +116. The spread features UCLA +2.5 (-110), and the over/under for total points is 152.5.

More Odds

Arizona currently has the eighth-best odds of winning the National Championship this season at +1500. The Bruins are +2200 to win it all.

By The Numbers

Both of these teams feature strong offenses, but Arizona’s has been one of the best in the country. They rank second in scoring in the nation averaging 88.7 points per game (84.1 on the road). UCLA ranks 22nd, averaging 78.8 points (88.8 at home).

Defensively, it is again Arizona with the advantage. They rank 49th in the nation in scoring defense, allowing opponents an average of just 64.4 points per game (69.9 on the road). UCLA ranks 84th, allowing 66.1 points per game (70.6 at home).

Arizona Hopes To Stay Undefeated in Conference Play

Arizona would love nothing more than to stay undefeated in the Pac-12 by knocking off the rival UCLA Bruins on their court. By doing so, it would open up a two-game lead in the conference midway through the season.

Leading the way for Arizona is sophomore guard Bennedict Mathurin. He is averaging 17.5 points per game on 49.3% shooting. He is also averaging 6.1 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game.

The other leading scorer is sophomore forward Azuolas Tubelis. The 6’11” forward is averaging 15.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.9 assists. Tubelis suffered an ankle sprain last week and did not play in their last game with Cal. He is questionable for Tuesday night.

Showing just how deep the Wildcats are on the offensive side, they have two others averaging double digits as well. Big man Christian Koloko is averaging 13.2 points on 64% shooting, 7.2 rebounds, and 3.2 blocks per game.

Rounding out the top four is guard Kerr Kriisa. He is putting up 11.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game.

UCLA Looking To Prevail With Experienced Group

The UCLA Bruins were able to make it to the Final Four last season in the NCAA tournament, and they have their sights set on making another run this season. With a unit that remained largely intact, the Bruins are a tough matchup for any opponent.

The combination of junior Johnny Juzang, Jules Bernard, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Tyger Campbell makes for one of the best groups of guards in the country.

Juzang is leading the way for the Bruins averaging 18.3 points, five rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game. He is shooting 46.6% from the field and 83.7% from the free-throw line.

Not to be outdone, Bernard (13 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.1 assists), Jaquez Jr. (12.9 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.1 steals), and Campbell (11.5 points, 2.8 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.3 steals) are capable of carrying a team.

Size To Play A Factor

This is a game that you will want to check the active list. If Tubelis has to sit out, that is a huge blow for Arizona. Between Tubelis and Koloko, they would both be taller than anyone that UCLA runs out on the floor.

With that type of size, it would not be surprising to see Arizona dominate the interior and the boards.

Without him, Arizona would be spread a bit more thin, especially given that Tubelis is the second-leading scorer on the team.

After sitting out the last game, don’t be shocked if Tubelis suits up for this showdown of top Pac-12 teams. If he does, take Arizona to both win and cover despite playing on the road.

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