The UCLA Bruins have bounced back well from their Pac-12 opening loss to the Oregon Ducks. The Bruins have won their last three games in a row since that defeat, and all by double-digits.
Freshman sensation Lonzo Ball was simply spectacular as he had 21 points, 6 rebounds, 8 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks in the Bruins’ 89-75 win over Stanford on Sunday. Not to be outdone, fellow freshman TJ Leaf had 18 points and 11 rebounds, and has recorded a double-double in his last three games.
Leaf should like his chances of extending that streak further against an overmatched Colorado frontline. Arizona’s Lauri Markkanen and Dusan Rustic had their way with the Buffs’ undersized defenders as they combined for 39 points and 14 rebounds in a comfortable Wildcats win.
With the fab freshmen Ball and Leaf leading the charge, the Bruins’ No. 3-ranked offense (92. PPG) has still be fairly potent during conference play. UCLA’s currently No. 2 in the conference in scoring, averaging 83.3 points per game.
UCLA has a terrific record against Colorado. The Bruins are 6-1 against the Buffs since they became part of the Pac-12 in 2011-12.
Betting on the Colorado Buffaloes (10-6, 0-3 Pac-12)
Colorado couldn’t have had a worse start to conference play. The Buffs are 0-3 – one of three teams left without a win in the Pac-12 – after losing to Utah (76-60), Arizona State (78-77), and Arizona (82-73). To be fair to the Buffs, all three of those games were on the road. However, their quest for that elusive first win won’t get any easier as they host No. 4 UCLA.
It’s tough to find too many positive things to say about the Buffs’ bad start. They’re 9th in scoring offense (70 PPG) and 10th in defense (78.7 PPG). (Although, KenPom.com ranks their defense 59th in the country.)
Division II transfer Derrick White has been absolutely outstanding during conference play and is averaging 19 PPG. He exploded with 35 points in their heart-breaking loss to Arizona State. Meanwhile, senior Xavier Johnson has chipped in with 15.3 PPG. But they’re going to need a lot more firepower against a prolific Bruins offense.
Colorado can at least put up a fight, though, especially at home. The Buffs have been very tough to beat in Boulder. They’ve won 15 of their last 16 home games, and 25 of their last 27.
