#22 UCLA vs #14 Gonzaga: NCAA Basketball Predictions, Odds & Best Bets (12/28)

The Gonzaga Bulldogs and UCLA Bruins meet up in Los Angeles to settle their differences. The Bulldogs have now beaten the Bruins the past two seasons, last year in the 5th place game at the Maui Invitational, and the year before in the Sweet 16. Surely we see UCLA come out with some fire in their own city with revenge on their minds.

However, Gonzaga is very, very good this season. They are one of the most complete teams Mark Few has ever had, and despite their 9-3 record, I would not be worried at all if I were a Zags fan. They lost to a tough West Virginia team in a tournament, then handled business in said tournament. Sure they fell apart against a good Kentucky team, but Gonzaga wins that game in March, and it’s tough to beat the two time defending champions in Madison Square Garden. Since their back to back losses, Gonzaga has beaten Nicholls by 30 and Bucknell by 21 in order to tune up for this matchup.

UCLA has been very good this year as well, with some good wins over Oregon and Arizona, plus they are looking to bounce back following their loss to North Carolina. However, Gonzaga will be their toughest opponent this season, and they have had their struggles away from Pauley Pavilion.

#22 UCLA Bruins vs #14 Gonzaga Bulldogs: Top 25 Saturday Matchup

Matchup Information – UCLA vs Gonzaga

• Venue & Location: Intuit Dome (Inglewood, CA)
• Date: Saturday, December 28th, 2024
• Tip Off: 4:00pm Eastern
• Broadcast: FOX

Betting Odds

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Spread

• Gonzaga -4 (-114)
• UCLA +4 (-106)

Money Line

• Gonzaga -180
• UCLA -160

Total

• Over 148 (-110)
• Under 148 (-110)

Zags and Bruins Meet in LA on Neutral Site

UCLA has only played 4 teams in the Top 100 this season. All four of those teams were also in the Top 65, but they went 2-2 with 3 games on a neutral site and one at Oregon. Things are not getting easier for UCLA who begins Big Ten play after this game. The next few on the schedule include #5 Gonzaga (numbers from Bart Torvik), at #34 Nebraska, vs #17 Michigan, and at #11 Maryland.

They have some massive matchups ahead, and while this isn’t a look ahead spot, that daunting schedule is surely in the back of their minds. Gonzaga has had their tough games already, and following this one, they have four straight against teams outside the Top 140. With their full focus on the task at hand, I’ve got to lean with Gonzaga.

This team is very fast, ranking Top 50 in pace, and with this being a neutral site game, I see them being able to speed up UCLA to a tempo they are not familiar with. The Bruins ranks 230th in pace, and while their defense is very good, they are facing the 3rd most efficient offense in the country. Gonzaga shoots the ball incredibly well from everywhere on the floor, they take care of the basketball, and they don’t leave points at the free throw line.

The Zags are rolling, and I see them dominating UCLA tonight.

#22 UCLA Bruins vs #14 Gonzaga Bulldogs Best Bets

UCLA vs Gonzaga Prediction: Gonzaga Wins & Covers, Over 148

Best Bets: Gonzaga -4 (-114)  BetOnline

So the Zags offense is insane. What about their defense?

Gonzaga is 19th in overall efficiency, 42nd in eFG Defense, and rank 10th in offense rebounds allowed. They clean up the glass, they keep their foes off of the free throw line, and they contest perimeter shots, holding opponents to just 25% from beyond the arc. UCLA is great at forcing turnovers, but they won’t be able to do so tonight. Their offense relies heavily on offensive rebounding, which will be a tall task, and they do not shoot well from the stripe.

Simply put, both of these defenses are rock solid. But offensively, UCLA does not have the fire power to keep up with Gonzaga. The Zags are going to push the pace and create extra possessions, which the Bruins won’t be able to take advantage of as well as their opponent. Gonzaga is going to win the battle in the paint and on the boards, being much more physical than the Bruins.

Following their two losses to other national championship caliber teams, Gonzaga has not missed a beat. Tonight I see them coming much more focused than the Bruins, resulting in a dominating Zags victory.

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