Michigan Wolverines vs. UCLA Bruins Preview
Where: Pauley Pavillion – Los Angeles, CA
When: Saturday, December 10, 8:00 PM ET
Line: Michigan Wolverines (TBA) vs. UCLA Bruins (TBA); total: TBA– view all NCAA Basketball lines
TV Broadcast: ESPN
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Betting on the Michigan Wolverines (TBA)
The Wolverines move up to 7-2 (2-4 ATS) Tuesday night with their win over the Texas Longhorns. It wasn’t a pretty game offense-wise. The 53-50 victory only had them shooting 41.7-percent from the field, and leading scorer Zak Irvin only contributed three points, shooting 1-of-8 overall.
As they go in to face their toughest test yet, Irvin simply has to be better. It will be easier said than done, obviously, but head coach John Beiline will certainly eye him to provide the goods. The senior will be bringing averages of 13.5 points, 4.8 points, and 3.0 assists per game.
Assisting Irvin in playmaking is co-senior and starting point guard Derrick Walton, who’s behind his back court partner in scoring, with 12.2 PPG, while also pacing the team in assists, with a 3.8 average.
The team’s two main men in the middle, DJ Wilson and Moritz Wagner, will have a tall task of containing UCLA’s active bigs. Wilson is expected to minister the D, but he will also look to continue the efficient shooting he had in the Texas game, where he went 5-for-6 and was able to sank both attempts from downtown. Wagner, meanwhile, is continuing to improve. The sophomore is currently in a solid stretch, averaging 14.8 PPG on 69-percent shooting.
Betting on the UCLA Bruins (TBA)
Head coach Steve Alford and his boys are coming off one of their biggest wins as a unit, as they took down the previously top-ranked Kentucky Wildcats, 97-92, in a classic, fast-paced clash.
In the game, the Bruins showed why they are number one in shooting (55.1-percent), second in points (97 PPG) and fifth in offense, with six of their guys scoring in double figures, all while shooting 53-percent from the field. The balanced attack was headlined by star freshman TJ Leaf, who had an imposing game, recording a great stat line of 17 points, 13 rebounds, and five assists. He’s field goal percentage for the year is now at an impressive 67.4 mark.
With Leaf anchoring most of the offense in the shaded lane, his partner in the paint, Thomas Welsh, should be able to continue wreaking havoc defensively. Welsh has been quite productive, as he leads the team in blocks and double-doubles.
As for their explosive guards, Isaac Hamilton and Bryce Alford are still the official leaders of the team, but Lonzo Ball is really getting the biggest spotlight out of everyone. The potential one-and-done player is drawing comparisons to NBA legend Jason Kidd with his all-around play. Ball is registering 14.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 9.3 assists per game.
The Bruins are 9-0 this season (7-2 ATS). They are pegged at +900 to win the national title.
Writer’s Prediction
UCLA wins, 99-80
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