The No. 4 Villanova Wildcats (1-0) and No. 2 UCLA Bruins (1-0) meet Friday night at Pauley Pavilion. Tip-off is scheduled for 11:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Villanova vs. UCLA odds and lines, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.
The Wildcats blasted Mount St. Mary’s in the tune-up opener, 91-51. Four starters went for 13 or more points, and Big East Player of the Year candidate Collin Gillespie dropped in three triples with 13 points, 5 assists and 2 steals.
The Bruins also had a lay-up against Cal State-Bakersfield in the opener, winning 95-58. Like ‘Nova, UCLA had four starters in double digits, including 19 points apiece from Jules Bernard and Johnny Juzang.
Rankings courtesy of the Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.
Villanova at UCLA odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 3:30 p.m. ET.
- Money line: Villanova +130 (bet $100 to win $130) | UCLA -160 (bet $160 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Villanova +2.5 (-102) | UCLA -2.5 (-122)
- Over/Under (O/U): 140.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)
PLAY: Free, daily sports pick’em contests. Play now!
Villanova at UCLA odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
UCLA 77, Villanova 73
Money line
You can bet UCLA (-160) and not have to worry about the points. That’s fine. It’s a little cheaper to take the home side laying the two and a half, but this is going to be a close game.
Just playing the ML might be the way to go.
Against the spread
UCLA -2.5 (-122) is worth playing, although I could see this game ending on a buzzer-beater. That’s how evenly matched these teams are. This will be a star-studded affair and a fun one to watch.
Bernard and Juzang are going to put on a show.
Over/Under
OVER 140.5 (-108) is the play. Each of these teams flexed their offensive muscle against cupcakes in the opener but will face much more resistance here.
Still, both of these teams are too talented not to get into at least the 70’s. That will make for a rather easy opener, as long as the pace is fast right out of the gate.
I think the Over is the best bet on the board.
If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.
Follow @KevJErickson on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:
Alabama / Arkansas / Auburn / Colorado / Florida / Georgia / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Oregon / Penn State / Rutgers / Tennessee / Texas / USC / Wisconsin / College Football News
Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1622]