Who’s playing
Michigan Wolverines @ UCLA Bruins
Current records: Michigan 11-3, UCLA 11-3
How to watch
What you need to know
After three road games, UCLA returns home. They and the Michigan Wolverines will face off in a Big Ten battle on Tuesday at 10 p.m. ET at Pauley Pavilion. The Bruins strut with some offensive power as they have averaged 76 points per game this season.
UCLA likely heads into the contest focusing on the second half, when things went south against Nebraska on Saturday. UCLA took a 66-58 blowout in the loss column to Nebraska.
Despite their loss, UCLA saw several players rise to the challenge and make remarkable plays. Tyler Bilodeau, who went 6 of 9 on his way to 15 points plus five rebounds, was perhaps the best of all. Bilodeau’s performance made up for a slower game against Gonzaga last Saturday.
Meanwhile, Michigan entered its Saturday game with two straight wins… but came away with three. They started the new year with an 85-74 victory over the Trojans. The Wolverines’ season wasn’t great last year, but it appears the struggles are behind us.
Danny Wolf was the offensive star of the game, recording a double-double with 21 points and 13 rebounds. He’s on a hot streak when it comes to rebounds, as he’s now lost ten or more in the last four games he’s played. Tre Donaldson was another key player, going 5 of 7 on his way to 16 points plus six assists and two steals.
UCLA’s loss dropped its record to 11-3. As for Michigan, its victory brought its record to an identical score of 11-3.
Tuesday’s contest is shaping up to be a masterclass in shooting: UCLA simply can’t miss this season, making 46.7 percent of its field goals per game. However, it’s not like Michigan (currently ranked fourth) is struggling in this department as it has made 51.3 percent of its field goals this season. Given these competing forces, it will be interesting to see how their clash plays out.
Going forward, UCLA is the favorite as experts expect them to win by 3.5 points. For those looking to play the spread, keep UCLA’s opponent in mind: They have a solid 1-0 ATS record against Michigan in their last matchups.
Odds
UCLA is a 3.5-point favorite against Michigan, according to the latest college basketball odds.
Oddsmakers had a good idea of ​​the line for this one, as the game opened with the Bruins as 2.5-point favorites.
The over/under is 141 points.
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History of the series
UCLA has won 2 of its last 3 games against Michigan.
- March 30, 2021 – UCLA 51 vs. Michigan 49
- December 9, 2017 – Michigan 78 vs. UCLA 69
- December 10, 2016 – UCLA 102 vs. Michigan 84
