Oregon vs UCLA Free NCAAB Pick Against the Spread, 02–09–2017
#6 Oregon Ducks (21–3) vs #9 UCLA Bruins (21–3)
NCAAB: Thursday Feb 9, 2017
Spread: UCLA -5
College Basketball Pick Against the Spread by: Rich Roth of Sports Picks Forum
Last 30: 48 Wins — 24 Losses: 67%
Unit Gain/Loss: +6580 Units
A pivotal PAC 12 matchup pits the #6 Oregon Ducks vs the #9 UCLA Bruins. Both teams enter this matchup with a (21–3) record and not only have a Final Four expectations but they hope to contend for a national title.
Oregon returns a large chunk of last year’s Elite 8 squad and this team can score. The Ducks have a platoon of scorers at their disposal, led by Dillon Brooks (14.4 PPG), Tyler Dorsey (12.6 PPG) and Chris Boucher (12.4 PPG; 6.8 RPG). Also averaging in double-digits for the Ducks are Dylan Ennis (11.0 PPG; 4.3 RPG) and Jordan Bell (10.9 PPG; 7.6 RPG).
These two teams met in December with Oregon walking away 89–87 winners and covering the +1.5 point spread
UCLA can score the rock just like Oregon. The Bruins are lead by TJ Leaf (17.1 PPG; 8.9 RPG) and Bryce Alford (16.4 PPG) leading the way. Also in the double-digit scoring club for the Bruins are Lonzo Ball (15.1 PPG; 5.8 RPG; 7.8 APG), Isaac Hamilton (14.7 PPG), Aaron Holiday (13.4 PPG; 4.5 APG) and Thomas Welsh (10.4 PPG; 8.3 RPG).
UCLA Wins If…
The Bruins need TJ Leaf to dominate inside. He leads the Pac-12 and ranks among the national leaders with a 63.9 field goal percentage. Leaf scored only 13 points in their last meeting and they will need more production from their big man.
Oregon Wins If…
They heat up from beyond the arc. The Ducks rolled over Arizona on Saturday after going 16 of 25 from 3-point range and putting the game out of reach early. The Ducks likely won’t shoot at that high of a percentage as they try to win a fourth straight meeting with UCLA, but they were able to pull out the last victory despite the Bruins hitting 53.1 percent from the field.
Prediction:
The Ducks rank 23rd in the nation defensively allowing only 63.5 PPG while the Bruins rank 277th in the country allowing 76.5 PPG. If the Ducks just dropped 85 points against Arizona, who ranks 24th defensively, they should be able score with ease against UCLA even on the road. This Ducks team is experienced after last season which always helps in tough road environments. Giving the edge to the better defensive team in Oregon.
