Sports Betting Picks

UCLA Bruins vs Rutgers Scarlet Knights – NCAA Basketball Preview – Jan 13, 2025

UCLA faces Rutgers at Jersey Mike’s Arena on Monday, January 13, 2025, at 6:30 PM ET. Both teams are looking to bounce back from recent struggles. UCLA (11-5) sits 11th in the Big Ten, while Rutgers (8-8) holds the 16th spot. This game is crucial for both squads to build momentum in the middle of the conference schedule.

UCLA comes off a tough East Coast loss to Maryland, while Rutgers is trying to salvage a homestand after losses to Wisconsin and Purdue. Each team hopes to turn its fortunes around in this matchup.

UCLA Bruins Preview – Defensive Efficiency Tested

UCLA started the season as one of the best defensive teams in the nation, allowing just 62.6 points per game. However, their recent three-game losing streak, including a 79-61 loss at Maryland, has exposed defensive lapses. The Bruins struggled to contain Maryland and Michigan, marking their worst defensive performances of the season.

On offense, Tyler Bilodeau has been the standout, averaging 14.9 points per game. Bilodeau’s 18-point effort against Maryland was one of the few bright spots for UCLA, which ranks near the bottom of the Big Ten in scoring at 75.0 points per game.

UCLA’s ability to regain defensive composure will be critical. They’ll also need support from secondary scorers like K.J. Johnson and S. Clark to complement Bilodeau and compete with Rutgers at home.

Rutgers Scarlet Knights Preview – Harper Looking to Rebound

Rutgers is mired in a three-game losing streak, including back-to-back home losses to Wisconsin and Purdue. Their offensive struggles have been pronounced, with standout freshman Dylan Harper hampered by illness. Harper, who averages 20.1 points per game, has scored just six points in the last two games combined.

Without Harper at full strength, Rutgers has failed to find consistent scoring options. A. Bailey has contributed, scoring 17 points against Purdue, but Rutgers needs Harper to regain form to break out of their slump. The Scarlet Knights average 74.6 points per game, ranking near the bottom of the Big Ten.

Defensively, Rutgers will lean on their home record (7-2) and the energy of Jersey Mike’s Arena to slow down UCLA. Coach Steve Pikiell will emphasize better execution in close-game scenarios, where Rutgers has faltered in recent outings.

Betting Prediction

UCLA enters as slight favorites, with the spread hovering near -2.5. The total is set around 137 points. Both teams have been inconsistent, but UCLA’s defensive metrics and Bilodeau’s scoring make them the more reliable pick.

Expect a low-scoring game as both squads prioritize defense. The predicted final score is UCLA 67, Rutgers 62. The Bruins should cover the spread, and the total is likely to stay under.

Pick: UCLA -2.5, Under 137

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