Indiana hosts UCLA in a Big Ten matchup at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall on February 14. The game tips off at 8:00 PM ET. This is the first time these teams meet as conference rivals. Indiana is 15-10 and sits 12th in the Big Ten, while UCLA is 18-7 and ranked 5th in the conference.
These two teams have faced each other 12 times before, with each winning six. Their last meeting was in the 2007 NCAA Tournament, where UCLA won 54-49. UCLA is coming off a 83-78 loss to Illinois, ending a seven-game winning streak. Indiana just snapped a five-game losing streak with a 71-67 win over Michigan State.
Indiana Preview – Can They Build on Their Last Win?
Indiana ended its losing streak with a strong defensive showing at Michigan State. Before that, they struggled defensively, allowing 80 points per game in an eight-game stretch. They currently allow 73.2 points per game, which ranks 228th nationally.
The Hoosiers have four players averaging at least 11 points per game. Oumar Ballo leads the team with 13.7 points and 10 rebounds per game. Mackenzie Mgbako, Malik Reneau, and Myles Rice provide additional scoring depth.
Indiana is 11-3 at home this season, making Assembly Hall a tough place to play. They have covered the spread in 12 of their last 22 home games. The Hoosiers will look to slow down UCLA’s offense and continue their push toward an NCAA Tournament bid.
UCLA Preview – Can Their Defense Bounce Back?
UCLA had been playing well defensively before giving up 83 points to Illinois. They rank 23rd in the nation in points allowed per game (64.6). The Bruins are 15-1 when holding opponents under 71 points and just 3-6 when allowing more.
Tyler Bilodeau leads UCLA in scoring at 14.3 points per game. Sebastian Mack has been a key contributor, averaging 10 points mostly off the bench. The Bruins have three starters averaging at least nine points per game.
UCLA is 3-4 on the road this season and is looking to even its record away from home. They have covered the spread in 19 of their last 34 games. Their ability to defend Indiana’s balanced offense will be key in this matchup.
Betting Prediction
UCLA is a slight favorite in this matchup, but Indiana has been strong at home. The Hoosiers are coming off a key road win, while UCLA just had a tough loss at Illinois. Indiana’s defense has been inconsistent, which could give UCLA an edge.
Indiana has covered in 12 of its last 22 home games, while UCLA has been reliable against the spread overall. If the Bruins’ defense rebounds from their last game, they should have the upper hand. Expect a close game with UCLA pulling out a win.
Pick: UCLA Bruins -3 on the road at the Indiana Hoosiers. This should be a great Big Ten affair!
Enjoy the game and good luck with all your College Basketball betting not just for Friday night, but all weekend!
