Michigan vs UCLA CBB Betting Tips & Predictions (1/7/25)

Michigan Wolverines (11-3 SU, 9-5 ATS) vs. UCLA Bruins (11-3 SU, 9-5 ATS)

When: Tuesday, January 7th, 10:00 PM (ET)

Where: Pauley Pavilion, CA, Los Angeles

TV: PEAC

Point Spread: MICH +3.5/UCLA -3.5

Total: 141.5

Money Line: Michigan Wolverines +140/-166

Notable Injuries

Wolverines

Bruins

• Evan Manjikian (Questionable) Undisclosed
• William Kyle III (Questionable) Undisclosed
• Eric Dailey Jr. (Questionable) Undisclosed
• Brandon Williams (Out) Redshirt
• Devin Williams (Out) Redshirt
• Eric Freeny (Out) Redshirt

Recent Form

Michigan improved to 11-3 on the season with an 85-74 road win over USC on Saturday. The Wolverines entered the game as -5.5 favorites and covered the spread. The total points for the game reached 159, surpassing the O/U line of 151.5.

Michigan led 42-38 at halftime and continued their strong play in the second half, outscoring USC 43-36 to secure the win.

UCLA’s season record dropped to 11-3 after a 66-58 road loss to Nebraska on Saturday. The Bruins entered the game as +3 underdogs and failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game were 124, falling short of the 133.5 O/U line.

After a 24-24 tie at halftime, UCLA struggled in the second half, scoring 34 points while allowing 42 to the Cornhuskers.

Analysis

Michigan’s offense was firing on all cylinders in their latest game, putting up 85 points with a 52.7% field goal percentage. Their effective field goal percentage was an impressive 61.8%, thanks to 61.3% shooting on two-pointers and 41.7% from beyond the arc. They also connected on 81% of their free throws, going 17-for-21 from the line.

Danny Wolf was a standout performer, scoring 21 points on 9-of-12 shooting, including 2-of-3 from three-point range. He also contributed 13 rebounds and seven assists. Desmond Claude and Wesley Yates III each added 19 points, with Yates hitting 2-of-4 threes. Tre Donaldson and Nimari Burnett both chipped in 16 points, with Donaldson hitting 4-of-6 from deep and Burnett going 3-of-5 from three-point range.

Michigan’s defense gave up 74 points, with the opposing team shooting 43% from the field, hitting 27 of 62 shots. Inside the arc, they allowed 21 of 44 shots to fall, a 47% success rate.

From three-point range, the Wolverines held the other team to 6 of 18 shooting or 33%. At the free-throw line, the opponents shot 14 of 22, making 63%. Michigan also gave up 12 offensive rebounds.

UCLA struggled offensively in their last game, scoring just 58 points while shooting 38.6% from the field. Their three-point shooting was particularly problematic, as they hit only 4 of 28 attempts, a 14.3% success rate. Despite their perimeter struggles, the Bruins were effective inside, connecting on 62.1% of their two-point shots.

Brice Williams led the team with 16 points, though he shot just 2 of 12 overall and 1 of 5 from three. Tyler Bilodeau added 15 points, shooting 66.7% from the field, while Andrew Morgan contributed 12 points on 4 of 5 shooting.

UCLA’s defense was solid, holding their opponent to 66 points on just 32% shooting from the field. They limited two-point opportunities, with the other team making only 10 of 27 attempts for 37%.

From beyond the arc, UCLA allowed seven threes on 25 attempts, a 28% success rate. The Bruins sent their opponent to the line 29 times, where they converted 25 free throws at an 86% clip.

Betting Trends

• Across their last five road contests, Michigan has been good against the spread, posting a mark of 4-1. Their overall mark in these games was 4-1, while averaging 78 points per game.
• Through their last ten home contests, the Bruins offense has averaged 66 points per game while allowing an average of 69. UCLA posted an overall record of 5-5 while going 5-4-1 ATS.
• As the betting underdog, the Wolverines have an ATS mark of just 1-2 in their last three games. Michigan posted a straight-up mark of 1-2 in these matchups.
• As the betting favorite, the Bruins have an ATS record of 3-2 in their last five games. In these matchups, their, straight up record was 4-1.

Joe’s Pick To Cover The Spread

Out in LA, we have a good matchup between Michigan and UCLA, as the Bruins are favored by -3.5 points at home. Michigan just took down USC this past weekend, while UCLA lost to Nebraska. I like the way Michigan is playing heading into this one, and I think getting them at +140 is good value. I’m going to roll with Michigan to pull off the upset tonight.