Bruins vs. Scarlet Knights: Key Betting Trends and Spread Pick

UCLA Bruins (11-5 SU, 9-7 ATS) vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights (8-8 SU, 5-10-1 ATS)

When: Monday, January 13th, 6:30 PM (ET)

Where: Jersey Mike’s Arena, NJ, Piscataway

TV: FS1

Point Spread: UCLA -2.5/RUTGER +2.5

Total: 139

Money Line: UCLA Bruins -148/+122

Notable Injuries

Bruins

• Evan Manjikian (Questionable) Undisclosed
• Brandon Williams (Out) Redshirt
• Devin Williams (Out) Redshirt
• Christian Horry (Questionable) Undisclosed
• Eric Freeny (Out) Redshirt

Scarlet Knights

Recent Form

UCLA Bruins Recent Game/Games

The Bruins dropped to 11-5 on the season after a 79-61 loss to Maryland on Friday. UCLA, which was a +5 point underdog, not only lost but also failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game ended at 140, just over the O/U line of 137.5.

UCLA trailed 40-36 at halftime but struggled in the 2nd half, scoring only 25 points while allowing 39. This poor 2nd half-performance was a key factor in their loss.

Rutgers Scarlet Knights Recent Game/Games

Rutgers fell to 8-8 on the season after a 68-50 home loss to Purdue on Thursday, January 9th. The Scarlet Knights entered the game as +3 underdogs but failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game were 118, well below the O/U line of 147.5.

Rutgers trailed 33-24 at halftime and couldn’t close the gap in the 2nd half, scoring 26 points while allowing 35. The Scarlet Knights will need to regroup as they look to get back on track.

Analysis

UCLA managed just 61 points in their last game, shooting 41.5% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 47.2%. They hit 6 of 18 from beyond the arc, shooting 33.3% from three, and connected on 78.6% of their free throws, going 11 of 14 from the line.

Ja’Kobi Gillespie led the way with 27 points, hitting 4 of 8 from three and 7 of 13 overall. Tyler Bilodeau added 18 points on 7 of 12 shooting, while Julian Reese contributed 16 points and 10 rebounds, making 7 of 8 from the field.

UCLA’s defense struggled in their last game, giving up 79 points while allowing the opposing team to shoot 54% from the field. The Bruins had trouble containing two-point shots, with the other team hitting 64% of their attempts inside the arc.

From three-point range, UCLA’s opponents shot 36%, making 7 of 19 attempts. The Bruins also sent them to the line 21 times, where they converted 18 free throws, shooting 85%. UCLA allowed eight offensive rebounds in the game.

Rutgers struggled offensively in their last game, scoring just 50 points while shooting 32.7% from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was 38.5%, with two-point shooting at 34.5% and three-point shooting at 30.4% (7/23). They did manage to hit 81.8% of their free throws, going 9/11 from the line.

Ace Bailey led the way with 17 points, connecting on 4 of 9 three-point attempts. Trey Kaufman-Renn was efficient, shooting 75% from the field in 20 minutes, while Braden Smith contributed 16 points and 14 assists, shooting 60% overall.

Despite giving up 68 points, Rutgers’ defense held their opponent to just 32% shooting from the field, allowing 17 made shots on 52 attempts. Inside the arc, they limited their opponent to 34% shooting, with only 10 made two-point shots out of 29 attempts.

From beyond the arc, Rutgers’ defense gave up seven three-pointers on 23 attempts, a 30% shooting rate. They also sent their opponent to the free-throw line 11 times, where they converted 9 of those attempts for 81%.

Betting Trends

• In their last ten games away from home, the Bruins have a straight-up record of 4-6 while going 4-5-1 vs. the spread. The team averaged 64 points per game in this stretch.
• Across their three previous home games, Rutgers has an ATS mark of 1-2. Their straight-up record in these matchups was 0-3 while averaging 76 points per game.
• The last five games that Rutgers was the underdog, they have an ATS mark of 1-4 while going 0-5 straight up.
• Through their previous five contests as the betting favorite, the Bruins have a strong record of 3-2. Their record vs the spread in these matchups is 2-3.

Joe’s Pick To Cover The Spread

After a big win over Gonzaga back on December 28th, the Bruins have hit the skids, dropping 3-straight games in the Big 10. Now, they travel back across the country to face Rutgers. Currently, UCLA is favored by -2.5 over a Scarlet Knights unit that also hasn’t won since the end of December. I think UCLA finally gets things back on track here, and I’m taking them to cover at -2.5.