The Wisconsin Badgers (15-3) travel to face off against the UCLA Bruins (12-6) on Tuesday, January 21st. This game will be played at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles and televised on PEAC. Both team’s come into this one having won their previous games. Tip-off is set for 9:30 ET.
Wisconsin Badgers vs UCLA Bruins
The Badgers Are Coming Off A Win
Wisconsin Badgers Recent Game/Games
Wisconsin improved to 15-3 on the season with an 84-69 road win over USC on Saturday. Entering the game as +1.5 point underdogs, the Badgers not only pulled off the win but also covered the spread.
Wisconsin took control early, leading 42-27 at halftime. They matched that output in the second half, scoring 42 points while allowing 42. The total points for the game hit 153, just over the 151.5 O/U line.
The Bruins Are Coming Off A Win
UCLA improved to 12-6 on the season with a 94-70 win over Iowa on Friday. The Bruins, who were -6.5 favorites at home, covered the spread, and the game’s total points of 164 exceeded the O/U line of 151.5.
UCLA dominated the first half, leading 57-24, but allowed 46 points in the second half while scoring 37. Despite the defensive lapse, they secured the win.
Badgers Offense Breakdown
Wisconsin’s offense was firing on all cylinders in their last game, putting up 84 points on 56.4% shooting from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was an impressive 65.5%, thanks in large part to their dominance inside, where they shot 81.5% on two-point attempts. From beyond the arc, they hit 9 of 28 threes, good for 32.1%, and they were nearly automatic at the free-throw line, connecting on 86.7% of their attempts.
John Blackwell led the way with 28 points, shooting 62.5% from the field, though he struggled from deep, hitting just 2 of 7 threes. Saint Thomas added 19 points, knocking down 2 of 3 from three-point range, while Max Klesmit contributed 18 points, despite going 2 for 9 from beyond the arc. Nolan Winter was efficient, hitting 6 of 7 shots overall and 1 of 2 from three, finishing with 13 points.
Bruins Offense Breakdown
UCLA’s offense was firing on all cylinders in their last game, putting up 94 points while shooting 62.1% from the field. They were particularly effective inside, hitting 80% of their two-point attempts, and their effective field goal percentage stood at 69%. The Bruins also connected on 34.8% of their threes, going 8-for-23 from beyond the arc.
Josh Dix was a standout from deep, hitting 5-of-7 threes and finishing with 19 points. Eric Dailey Jr. led the team with 23 points, and Tyler Bilodeau was nearly perfect, shooting 8-of-10 for 18 points. UCLA also dished out 26 assists, with 11 offensive rebounds and 14 made free throws on 20 attempts.
Badgers Team Defense
Wisconsin’s defense gave up 69 points in their last game, with opponents shooting 49% from the field on 26 of 53 attempts. Inside the arc, they allowed 20 of 38 shooting, which is 52%.
From three-point range, Wisconsin’s opponents hit 6 of 15 shots, good for 40%. They also sent them to the free-throw line 17 times, where they made 11, shooting 64%. Wisconsin allowed 7 offensive rebounds.
Bruins Team Defense
Wisconsin’s defense gave up 69 points in their last game, with opponents shooting 49% from the field. They allowed 20 two-point baskets on 38 attempts, a 52% shooting rate.
From beyond the arc, Wisconsin’s opponents hit 6 threes on 15 attempts, shooting 40%. They also sent them to the line 17 times, where they made 11 free throws, a 64% success rate. Wisconsin allowed 7 offensive rebounds.
Badgers vs Bruins Trends
- Across their last three road contests, Wisconsin has been good against the spread posting a mark of 3-0. Their overall mark in these games was 3-0, while averaging 80 points per game.
- Through their last three home games, UCLA has an ATS record of just 0-3. However, their overall record was 0-3 while averaging 62 points per game.
- As the betting underdog, the Badgers have an ATS mark of just 6-4 in their last ten games. Wisconsin posted a straight up mark of 4-6 in these matchups.
- In their last ten games as the betting favorite, the Bruins have a straight up record of 7-3 and an ATS mark of 5-5.
Badgers vs Bruins Prediction
When looking to get a point-spread pick down in this Bruins vs. Bruins game, our recommendation is to take the Bruins at -3.5. Despite our model showing the Bruins winning 74-72, we like Badgers as our point-spread pick.
As for the total, the line is currently sitting at 139.5 and our model has the Badgers and Bruins finishing with a combined 146 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 21, 2025 UCLA Bruins, Wisconsin Badgers