Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs. UCLA Bruins Betting Prediction

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It figures to be a high-scoring affair as the Notre Dame Fighting Irish (6-2) head to UCLA to play the Bruins (6-2). Action begins at 10:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 8, 2018, and can be seen on ESPN2.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs. UCLA Bruins ATS Odds

Both teams were triumphant in their last game. The Bruins dismantled the Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons 96-71, while the Fighting Irish defeated the UIC Flames 84-67.

The Fighting Irish had a much better free throw rate (0.581 vs. 0.203) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (42.9 vs. 25.0). UCLA, meanwhile, won the rebounding battle. The Bruins had more offensive rebounds (13 vs. six), defensive rebounds (39 vs. 22) and total rebounds (52 vs. 28). UCLA rallied around Kris Wilkes, who had 27 points and 10 rebounds. Nate Laszewski, meanwhile played a key role for Notre Dame with 12 points and nine rebounds.

This battle figures to be a high-scoring affair as a pair of the nation’s premier offenses clash. Since the 2017-18 season, UCLA ranks 53rd with 112.1 points per 100 possessions and Notre Dame is 40th (112.8). The Fighting Irish should be expected to protect the ball well. They rank 10th at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 14.6 percent), while the Bruins have forced the third-fewest turnovers in the NCAA (opponents’ turnover percentage of 14.8 percent).

Notre Dame Fighting Irish at UCLA Bruins Pick

Pick: SU Winner – Ucla, ATS Winner – UCLA, O/U – Under

Betting Notes (2017-Present):

  • Notre Dame averages 23.7 three pointers per game, which ranks 104th in the NCAA. UCLA ranks 278th in three pointers allowed per game (25.7).
  • The Bruins rank 25th in blocks allowed per game (2.5) while the Fighting Irish rank 139th (3.4).
  • Notre Dame ranks 26th in steals allowed per game (5.1) while UCLA ranks 120th (6.0).
  • The Bruins average 39.9 rebounds per game, which ranks 21st in the country. The Fighting Irish rank 148th in rebounds allowed per game (34.8).
  • UCLA averages 15.0 assists per game, which ranks 75th in the nation. Notre Dame ranks 193rd in assists allowed per game (13.9).