The UCLA Bruins (7-4) go head-to-head with the North Carolina Tar Heels (6-5) at T-Mobile Arena. The game begins at 3 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 21, 2019.
UCLA Bruins vs. North Carolina Tar Heels ATS Odds
Both teams were beaten in their last matchup. The Tar Heels fell to the second-ranked Gonzaga Bulldogs, 94-81, while the Bruins were defeated by the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, 75-61.
UCLA held Notre Dame to an offensive rebounding percentage of 21.4 (below their season average of 27.8) while North Carolina held Gonzaga to an offensive rebounding percentage of 3.7 (below their season average of 34.0). North Carolina received a boost from Garrison Brooks, who contributed 16 points and six rebounds. Shareef O’Neal, meanwhile fueled UCLA with eight points and 11 rebounds.
The Tar Heels won the lone contest between these two teams last year, 94-78. The Tar Heels’ 7.3 turnover percentage was their biggest strength over the Bruins, who had a rate of 15.6. This is the first time these teams will clash this year.
The battle on the backboards could prove decisive, pitting strength against strength. The Tar Heels rank 15th in offensive rebounding percentage (36.3 percent), while UCLA ranks 26th in defensive rebounding percentage (77.1 percent). Furthermore, the Bruins, who rank 31st in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.284), will face a difficult test against the Tar Heels, who rank 42nd in opponents’ FTA rate (0.159).
UCLA Bruins vs. North Carolina Tar Heels Free Pick
College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – North Carolina, ATS Winner – North Carolina, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- UCLA ranks 107th in three pointers allowed per game (21.5) while North Carolina ranks 243rd (27.5).
- The Bruins rank 37th in steals allowed per game (5.5) while the Tar Heels rank 130th (7.2).
- North Carolina ranks 31st in blocks per game (4.9) while UCLA ranks 73rd (3.6).
- The Bruins rank 23rd in assists allowed per game (9.8) while the Tar Heels rank 155th (13.8).
- UCLA ranks 19th in rebounds allowed per game (30.1) while North Carolina ranks 113th (34.5).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Bruins have scored an average of 74.2 points per game (1.0 above their season average) and allowed an average of 64.8 points per game (1.7 below their season average).
- The Tar Heels have been outscored by an average of 10.2 points in their last five games. For the season, North Carolina has defeated opponents by an average of 0.8 points.
