March Madness: Utah State vs. UCLA odds, picks and predictions
Utah State's 2-game winning streak was snapped with an 83-72 loss against the Colorado State Rams in the Mountain West semifinal, failing to cover as a 1-point underdog. The Aggies finished third in the conference at 15-5 and are led by G Ian Martinez, who averages 16.8 points per game (PPG).
UCLA had its 2-game winning streak snapped with an 86-70 loss against the Wisconsin Badgers in the Big Ten quarterfinals, failing to cover as a 2-point underdog. The Bruins finished sixth in the Big Ten (13-7) and are led by F Tyler Bilodeau who averages 13.6 PPG.
– Rankings: USA TODAY Sports Men's Basketball Coaches Poll
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Utah State vs. UCLA odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 6:43 p.m. ET.
Moneyline (ML) : Utah State +195 (bet $100 to win $195) | UCLA -235 (bet $235 to win $100)
: Utah State +195 (bet $100 to win $195) | UCLA -235 (bet $235 to win $100) Against the spread (ATS) : Utah State +5.5 (-110) | UCLA -5.5 (-110)
: Utah State +5.5 (-110) | UCLA -5.5 (-110) Over/Under (O/U): 144.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)
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Utah State vs. UCLA picks and predictions
Prediction
Utah State 77, UCLA 73
BET UTAH STATE (+195).
The Aggies are one of the most efficient shooting teams in the country shooting 49% from the field, which is good for 11th-best. They average nearly 80.9 PPG and pose a real threat against a UCLA team that has scored 73 or fewer points in 6 of its last 7 games and has allowed 76 or more points in 2 of its last 4 contests. Traditionally, the 7-10 matchups cause a lot of havoc and the Bruins have a high chance of being on the wrong end of that on Thursday.
PASS.
The moneyline has the best value on the Aggies.
BET OVER 144.5 (-110).
The Aggies have scored 70 or more points in 8 of their last 10 games while allowing 82 or more points in 3 of their last 5 contests. They have hit the Over in 7 of their last 10.
The Bruins have scored at least 70 points in 6 of their last 9 games, including 3 straight, and have allowed at least 69 points in 3 of their last 4 games. They have hit the Over in each of their last 4 games.
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