It will be a battle between Pac-12 opponents when the Oregon State Beavers (12-6, 2-4 Pac-12) welcome the UCLA Bruins (9-9, 2-3 Pac-12) to Gill Coliseum. The game is scheduled to start at 11 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 23, 2020.
UCLA Bruins at Oregon State Beavers Free Prediction
In the Bruins’ last contest, they topped the California Golden Bears, 50-40. The Bruins had a much better free throw rate (0.174 vs. 0.054) and held the Golden Bears to an effective field goal percentage of 0.330 (below their season average of 0.481). UCLA was lifted by Chris Smith, who was the top scorer from either team with 17 points on 7-for-9 shooting.
The Beavers lost to the Washington State Cougars in their last game, 89-76. Washington State was effective at getting to and converting from the charity stripe. The Cougars made 25 of their 27 free throws (92.6 percent), while the Beavers were 12-15 (80.0 percent). With 22 points on 9-for-20 shooting, Tres Tinkle was Oregon State’s leading scorer.
Half-court execution will be of utmost importance when a pair of the NCAA’s slowest-paced teams clash. Oregon State currently ranks 257th in possessions per game (68.1) and UCLA is 298th (66.9).
After splitting two games last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the most recent matchup, the Bruins won 68-67. UCLA had a much better free throw rate (0.346 vs. 0.017). Oregon State, on the other hand, had a better effective field goal percentage (0.559 vs. 0.481).
UCLA Bruins vs. Oregon State Beavers Free Pick
College Basketball Prediction: ATS Winner – Oregon State, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
UCLA ranks 31st in assists allowed per game (10.4) while Oregon State ranks 147th (13.1).
The Beavers average 5.8 blocks per game, which ranks 13th in the nation. The Bruins rank 102nd in blocks allowed per game (3.4).
UCLA ranks 23rd in rebounds allowed per game (31.2) while Oregon State ranks 92nd (33.8).
The Beavers are 22nd in the country with 5.1 steals allowed per game while the Bruins are 36th with 5.3 steals allowed per game.
Oregon State ranks 255th in three pointers attempted per game (17.8) while UCLA ranks 264th (17.4).
The Bruins have been outscored by an average of 4.4 points in their last five games. On the season, UCLA has defeated opponents by an average of 2.2 points.
During their last five games, the Beavers have scored an average of 73.2 points per game (3.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 73.6 points per game (5.1 above their season average).
