The UCLA Bruins (18-6) travel to face off against the Illinois Fighting Illini (16-8) on Tuesday, February 11th. This game will be played at State Farm Center in Champaign and televised on PEAC. Both team’s come into this one having won their previous games. Tip-off is set for 8:00 ET.

UCLA Bruins vs Illinois Fighting Illini

The Bruins Are Coming Off A Win

UCLA Bruins Recent Game/Games

UCLA improved to 18-6 on the season with a dominant 78-54 win over Penn State on Saturday. The Bruins were -10.5 favorites at home and covered the spread, while the game’s total points of 132 fell under the O/U line of 140.5.

UCLA took control early, leading 44-31 at halftime, and tightened up defensively in the 2nd half, allowing just 23 points while scoring 34.

The Fighting Illini Are Coming Off A Win

Illinois Fighting Illini Recent Game/Games

Illinois improved to 16-8 on the season with a 95-74 win over Minnesota on Saturday. The Illini, who were -6.5 favorites, not only picked up the road win but also covered the spread. The game’s total points of 169 exceeded the O/U line of 145.5.

Illinois led 46-35 at halftime and continued their strong play in the 2nd half, scoring 49 points while allowing 39.

Bruins Offense Breakdown

UCLA put up 78 points in their last game, shooting 47% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 51.5%. They were strong inside, hitting 55.3% of their two-point attempts, but struggled from beyond the arc, connecting on just 26.3% of their threes (5/19).

The Bruins dished out 21 assists and grabbed 12 offensive rebounds. Kobe Johnson contributed 15 points, 13 rebounds, and 6 assists, while Skyy Clark and Zach Hicks each added 14 points, with Clark shooting 85.7% overall and 66.7% from three.

Fighting Illini Offense Breakdown

Illinois put up 95 points in their latest game, shooting 63.2% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 70.2%. They hit 65.9% of their two-point attempts and knocked down 56.2% from beyond the arc, going 9-for-16 from three-point range. At the free-throw line, they were 14-for-16, good for 87.5%.

Will Riley led the way with 27 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists, shooting 64.7% from the field. Lu’Cye Patterson and Kasparas Jakucionis each added 24 points, while Femi Odukale contributed 22 points, hitting 4-of-6 from three. Tomislav Ivisic was perfect from deep, going 2-for-2, and finished with 18 points and 11 rebounds, shooting 88.9% overall.

Bruins Team Defense

Despite giving up 54 points, UCLA’s defense allowed the opposing team to shoot 47% from the field, with 31 made baskets on 66 attempts. Inside the arc, they connected on 26 of 47 shots, good for 55%.

From three-point range, the opposition struggled, hitting just 5 of 19 attempts for 26%. They also went to the free-throw line 15 times, making 11 of those for 73%. UCLA gave up 12 offensive rebounds in the game.

Fighting Illini Team Defense

UCLA’s defense gave up 54 points, allowing the opponent to shoot 47% from the field on 31/66 shooting. Inside the arc, the opponent hit 26/47 shots, good for 55%.

From three-point range, UCLA held the opponent to 5/19 shooting, or 26%. The opponent also went 11/15 from the free-throw line, hitting 73% of their attempts. UCLA allowed 12 offensive rebounds.

Bruins vs Fighting Illini Trends

• Across the Bruins last ten road games, the team averaged 65 points per game while allowing 68. Their record vs the spread in these contests was 5-4-1, while going 5-5 straight-up.
• In their last five games at home, the Fighting Illini have a straight up record of 2-3 while going 2-3 vs the spread. The team’s offense averaged 82 points per game in these contests.
• Looking back on the team’s last ten games as the underdog, the Bruins have a straight up record of 4-6. Their record vs the spread in these games was 5-5.
• Illinois has done well both straight up and vs the spread when favored to win the game, going 2-1 SU and 2-1 ATS in their last three games.

Bruins vs Fighting Illini Prediction

The Fighting Illini is our pick to not only win with a projected score of 79-68. But we also favor them to cover the spread. Our bet is on the Fighting Illini at -5.5.

As for the total, the line is currently sitting at 150.5 and our model has the Bruins and Fighting Illini finishing with a combined 147 points. Our pick is to take the under.

---

All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!

---

* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.