Washington Huskies (10-6) vs. UCLA Bruins (6-10)
Washington Huskies vs. UCLA Bruins 1/14/24 – In an exciting NCAA Men’s Basketball matchup, the Washington Huskies, with a solid 10-6 record, are set to face the struggling UCLA Bruins, who currently stand at 6-10. This game, scheduled for Sunday at the renowned Pauley Pavilion and broadcasted on PACN, promises to be a captivating contest. Fans and bettors are eagerly looking for NCAAB expert picks to guide their expectations and betting strategies for this encounter.
The Washington Huskies, despite having a decent overall record, have shown some inconsistency in recent games with a 2-3 overall and against-spread record. Their performance on road games was notable though with 3-1 against-spread record showing resilience during away matches. Totals have gone OVER in two out of the last five home games and five of eleven overall indicating higher scoring games as they may prefer higher-scoring contests.
On the other hand, UCLA Bruins have faced obstacles this season as evidenced by their subpar 1-4 record in their last 5 games and performance against the spread that mirrors this struggle (2-3). Road games fared slightly better (3-1 against spread); their totals have only gone over once during these 5 matches (and three out of 10) at home indicating difficulty maintaining high scoring contests.
Washington Huskies vs. UCLA Bruins 1/14/24 Game Info
| When: | Sunday, January 14, 2024, at 7:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Pauley Pavilion |
| TV: | PACN |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Keion Brooks Jr. (Forward) vs. Sebastian Mack (Guard)
Keion Brooks has been a force for Washington this season, averaging 20.5 points and 7.4 rebounds while shooting nearly 50% from the field. The senior forward has five double-doubles on the year and has eclipsed 30 points twice. His versatility on offense makes him difficult to stop. However, Brooks has struggled with turnovers at times and will need to value each possession against a UCLA team hungry for a marquee win.
For UCLA, Sebastian Mack has done his best to will the team to victories this season. The junior guard leads the Bruins in scoring at 14.3 points per game while also pacing the squad in steals. However, Mack’s shooting percentages leave something to be desired. His sub 40% clip from the field and sub 30% mark from three-point range indicate that Washington may dare him to beat them as a scorer. If Mack can’t find his shooting stroke, the Bruins will lack severely for offensive punch.
This matchup will likely come down to whether or not UCLA can slow down Brooks without letting his teammates run wild. Mack must also convert looks more efficiently on offense for UCLA to have a chance. In the end, Washington’s superior firepower gives them the edge.
NCAAB Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
The betting odds and point spread, yet to be announced, will be essential for a detailed analysis of this matchup. These odds will provide valuable insights into which team has the upper hand according to the bookmakers.
Washington Huskies Betting Trends
Washington has fared relatively well for bettors this season. The Huskies are 5-5 against the spread overall and 3-1 against the number in road games. The over has also hit in two of Washington’s last five contests. With the total set at 135 for this matchup, an uptempo shootout would likely see that total eclipse the over.
UCLA Bruins Betting Trends
Conversely, UCLA has struggled to live up to betting expectations recently, going just 2-3 against the spread in their last five matchups. The Bruins are also only 3-7 overall against the spread this season. With UCLA averaging only 65.5 points per game offensively, the team has had trouble keeping games close and covering spreads.
Washington Huskies vs. UCLA Bruins 1/14/24 Betting Picks
Considering the trends and performances, this game could be closer than the records suggest. Washington’s overall better record and performance in away games give them a slight edge. However, UCLA’s potential for upsets should not be underestimated.
For betting picks, Washington might be the safer choice, but UCLA could provide value, especially in spread bets. Potential prop bets could involve individual performances, focusing on the contributions of Brooks Jr. and Mack. The over/under bet will depend on the opening lines, but given Washington’s higher-scoring trend, a bet on the OVER might be favorable. For premium game tips, consider the matchup dynamics and individual player performances.
Free Pick and Prediction: Washington Huskies 78, UCLA Bruins 72