The UCLA Bruins (11-5) travel to face off against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights (8-8) on Monday, January 13th. This game will be played at Jersey Mike’s Arena in Piscataway and televised on FS1. Both UCLA and Rutgers will be looking to bounce back from losses in their previous games. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:30 ET.
UCLA Bruins vs Rutgers Scarlet Knights
The Bruins Look To Bounce Back From A Loss
UCLA Bruins Recent Game/Games
The Bruins fell to 11-5 on the season after a 79-61 road loss to Maryland on Friday. Entering the game as +5 point underdogs, UCLA not only lost but also failed to cover the spread.
UCLA trailed 40-36 at halftime but struggled in the 2nd half, scoring just 25 points while allowing 39. The game’s total points hit 140, going over the pre-game line of 137.5.
The Scarlet Knights Look To Bounce Back From A Loss
Rutgers Scarlet Knights Recent Game/Games
Rutgers fell to 8-8 on the season after a 68-50 loss to Purdue on Thursday. The Scarlet Knights, who were +3 underdogs, not only lost but also failed to cover the spread. The game’s total points of 118 fell well short of the 147.5 O/U line.
After trailing 33-24 at halftime, Rutgers managed just 26 points in the 2nd half while allowing 35. The Scarlet Knights will need to regroup as they look to get back on track.
Bruins Offense Breakdown
UCLA managed just 61 points in their last game, shooting 41.5% from the field and 33.3% from beyond the arc. Their effective field goal percentage was 47.2%, and they hit 78.6% of their free throws, going 11-for-14 from the line.
Ja’Kobi Gillespie led the way with 27 points, hitting 4-of-8 from deep and shooting 53.8% overall. Tyler Bilodeau added 18 points, shooting 58.3%, while Julian Reese contributed 16 points and 10 rebounds, making 7-of-8 shots.
Scarlet Knights Offense Breakdown
Rutgers struggled offensively in their last game, putting up just 50 points with a field goal percentage of 32.7% and an effective field goal percentage of 38.5%. They hit 7 of 23 from three-point range, shooting 30.4% from deep, and managed 10 offensive rebounds.
Ace Bailey led the way with 17 points, shooting 4 of 9 from three-point range. Trey Kaufman-Renn added 16 points on 6 of 8 shooting, while Braden Smith contributed 16 points and 14 assists, shooting 60% from the field.
Bruins Team Defense
Despite UCLA’s defensive struggles, they gave up 79 points on 54% shooting from the field. The Bruins allowed their opponents to shoot 64% from two-point range, with 20 made baskets on 31 attempts.
From beyond the arc, UCLA’s defense conceded 7 threes on 19 attempts, a 36% shooting rate. They also sent the opposition to the free-throw line 21 times, where they made 18 shots, hitting 85% of their free throws. UCLA allowed 8 offensive rebounds in the game.
Scarlet Knights Team Defense
UCLA’s defense struggled in their last game, giving up 79 points while allowing the opponent to shoot 54% from the field. Inside the arc, they were particularly vulnerable, with the other team hitting 64% of their two-point attempts, going 20/31.
From three-point range, UCLA allowed 7 threes on 19 attempts, a 36% shooting clip. They also sent the opponent to the free-throw line 21 times, where they converted 18 for 85%. The Bruins gave up 8 offensive rebounds.
Bruins vs Scarlet Knights Trends
- Across their ten previous road games, UCLA has an ATS mark of 4-5-1. Their straight up record in these matchups was 4-6 while averaging 64 points per game.
- Through their last three home contests, the Scarlet Knights offense has averaged 76 points per game while allowing an average of 86. Rutgers posted an overall record of 0-3 while going 1-2 ATS.
- In their last three games as the betting underdog, the Scarlet Knights have a straight up record of 0-3 and an ATS mark of 0-3.
- Over the team’s last five games as the favorite, the Bruins struggled vs the spread going just 2-3. However, they still had a straight up mark of 3-2.
Bruins vs Scarlet Knights Prediction
Entering the game as underdogs with a spread of +2.5, the Scarlet Knights is our point spread pick. Our projections not only see them covering the spread but also indicate a solid chance of an outright victory. This is a good choice for those looking for a higher moneyline payout.
As for the total, the line is currently sitting at 139 and our model has the Bruins and Scarlet Knights finishing with a combined 145 points. Our pick is to take the over.
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.
Last updated:January 13, 2025 Rutgers Scarlet Knights, UCLA Bruins