Colorado Buffaloes (16-8) vs. UCLA Bruins (13-11)
Colorado Buffaloes vs. UCLA Bruins 2/15/24 – Colorado Buffaloes and UCLA Bruins will face off in an NCAA Men’s Basketball game that promises to be exciting on Thursday at Pauley Pavilion; both fans and bettors alike eagerly anticipate its outcome with no-cost NCAAB selections for insights and predictions. Let us delve into analysis of both teams and key players alike.
The Colorado Buffaloes have enjoyed an outstanding season so far, boasting an offense averaging 80.7 points per game and boasting a field goal percentage of 49.2% with 38.7% coming from beyond the arc. Although their road game performance against the spread (ATS) has not been stellar – at 2-7 against it is not ideal for bettors looking at this matchup – their ability to consistently score and keep an impressive free-throw percentage (79.3%) still make them formidable opponents.
On the other side of things, UCLA Bruins have had an uneven season but come into this match-up on a roll, winning five straight games and holding opponents to an average of 66.2 points per game on defense. Although their field goal percentage may be lower compared to Colorado at 41.7%, they have demonstrated resilience under pressure by posting an 8-2 road record against spread betting games; something Colorado cannot match against.
Colorado Buffaloes vs. UCLA Bruins 2/15/24 Game Info
| When: | Thursday, February 15, 2024, at 9:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Pauley Pavilion |
| TV: | ESPN |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
KJ Simpson (Guard) vs. Sebastian Mack (Guard)
Colorado guard KJ Simpson is putting up outstanding numbers in his 24 games played so far, averaging 32.8 minutes, 19.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.8 steals per game. He’s shooting an efficient 49.4% from the field along with 42.9% from three and 89.6% from the free throw line. His one weakness has been turnovers, coughing up the ball 2.2 times per contest.
For UCLA, Sebastian Mack has played 24 games with 27.8 minutes per game averages of 13.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.6 steals. His shooting splits stand at 38.3% from the field, 28.4% from three and 72% from the charity stripe. Like Simpson, Mack has also struggled holding onto the ball at times with 1.8 turnovers per outing.
This battle between talented guards could come down to who can limit their mistakes while still producing offensively. If Simpson avoids turnovers while continuing his dynamic scoring ways, that could spell trouble for UCLA. But if Mack can match him basket for basket while playing clean defense, that would swing momentum towards the Bruins.
NCAAB Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
The betting odds for this game are yet to be determined, reflecting the closely matched nature of these teams. Bettors should keep an eye on the spread as it develops, considering the Buffaloes’ offensive strength and the Bruins’ recent form and defensive solidity.
Colorado Buffaloes Betting Trends
The Colorado Buffaloes come into this matchup struggling against the spread recently, going 1-4 ATS over their last 5 contests. Their troubles covering have been amplified on the road, where they have failed to cover in 7 of their last 9 away matchups. However, overs have hit in a strong majority of Colorado’s games lately. The over has hit in 4 of the Buffaloes previous 5 games. For the season, a high 10 of Colorado’s 15 home matchups have finished over the projected total.
UCLA Bruins Betting Trends
The UCLA Bruins enter this game on a nice run against the spread, going 4-1 ATS over their last 5 outings. Playing at home has aided UCLA’s ability to cover as well, with covers in 8 of their previous 10 matchups at Pauley Pavilion. But for the Bruins, over/under results have been less consistent recently. The over has hit in just 3 of UCLA’s last 5 contests. And at home this season, only 5 of the Bruins’ 13 total games have exceeded the projected total.
Colorado Buffaloes vs. UCLA Bruins 2/15/24 Betting Picks
Considering the current form and statistical analysis, this game is poised to be closely contested. The Buffaloes’ offensive firepower matched against the Bruins’ defensive resilience and recent momentum makes for an intriguing battle. The key will be whether Colorado can overcome their road game ATS woes and whether UCLA can continue their winning form.
Given the trends and performances, Multi-expert top picks lean towards a tightly contested game with UCLA potentially edging it due to their recent form and defensive solidity. However, the final outcome could hinge on key player performances and in-game adjustments.
Free Pick and Prediction: UCLA Bruins 75, Colorado Buffaloes 68.