UCLA (11-3) vs Michigan (11-3)
January 7, 2025 at 10:00 PM EST
The Line: Betting Odds: UCLA -2.5 / Michigan +2.5 — Over/Under: 143.5
The Michigan Wolverines and the UCLA Bruins meet Tuesday in college basketball action from Pauley Pavilion. Here’s a Michigan vs UCLA prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best Michigan vs UCLA pick. We will examine:
The Michigan Wolverines’ recent form and player performance
The UCLA Bruins’ recent form and player performance
Recent betting trends and streaks involving the Michigan Wolverines
Recent betting trends and streaks involving the UCLA Bruins
Recent betting trends in games played between Michigan and UCLA
A summary that ties it all together and produces a favorable betting outcome for the Michigan vs UCLA game
Michigan Wolverines Betting Preview
The Wolverines kicked off their 2024-25 campaign with a win over Cleveland State but then lost game two versus Wake Forest by a measly two points. A winning streak ensued over TCU, Miami-Ohio, Tarleton State, Virginia Tech, Xavier, Wisconsin, and Iowa, then came consecutive losses versus Arkansas and Oklahoma. Since then it’s been three more wins for the Wolverines. Those have come in succession versus Fort Wayne, Western Kentucky, and USC for an 11-3 overall run through 14 games thus far this season.
In the USC game over the weekend, the Wolverines came out of halftime with a 42-38 edge. Michigan kept it rolling in the second half on a 43-36 run and took the victory in the end 85-74. All five starters finished in double-figures, including team leader Danny Wolf with his double-double on 21 points, 13 boards, seven assists, six blocks, and two steals. Tre Donaldson added 16 points with six assists, two rebounds, and two steals. Nimari Burnett had 16 points as well, along with three rebounds. Will Tschetter chipped in on five bench points and four boards.
UCLA Bruins Betting Preview
Over on the UCLA side, they came out of the gate this year with a win over Rider, but then similarly lost their second game of the season versus New Mexico. The Bruins quickly found their footing with a winning streak after that, taking out Boston U, Lehigh, Idaho State, Cal State Fullerton, Southern Utah, Washington, Oregon, Arizona, and Prairie View A&M. Since then it’s been a shaky 1-2 run for UCLA, though. They’ve got a win over Gonzaga in that time, settled between losses to North Carolina and Nebraska for an 11-3 overall record thus far.
In the Nebraska game on Saturday, the Bruins came out of the break looking at a 24-24 tie on the scoreboard. UCLA was outpaced 42-34 the rest of the way however, leaving them with a 66-58 loss in the end. Tops in scoring—and the only starter to finish in double-figures—was Tyler Bilodeau with 15 points and five rebounds. Lazar Stefanovic came off the bench for 10 points and four boards, while both Skyy Clark and Sebastian Mack chipped in nine points each. Kobe Johnson added eight points and 11 rebounds as well during the losing effort.
Why the UCLA Bruins will win
- UCLA has won each of its last nine night games at Edwin W. Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescon.
- Michigan has lost 13 of its last 15 night games against Conference opponents.
- Michigan has lost the first half in each of its last seven night games against Conference opponents.
Why the Michigan Wolverines will win
- Michigan has won eight of its last 10 night games.
- UCLA has lost seven of its last nine games against AP-ranked opponents.
Michigan vs UCLA Prediction
I’ll stick with Michigan. The Wolverines didn’t look too bad against a reasonably solid USC team in their latest win, posting 52.7 percent shooting from the field and 10-of-24 (41.7 percent) from outside with a nice 17-of-21 (81 percent) from the line. Michigan’s 14 turnovers were just about the only blemish there. Even with a couple of losses in the can over the last month, the Wolverines are still scoring very well. Michigan has 85 or more points in six straight games (a 4-2 run) and 70 or more points in every outing except one (67 versus Wisconsin) thus far. I’d expect another strong offensive showing on Tuesday as well.
As for UCLA, they shot a tepid 38.6 percent from the field against Nebraska in their last game and coughed up 15 turnovers for 17 Huskers points. That makes just 123 combined points over the last two games for the Bruins, but they’re generally a better-scoring team than that. Still, I don’t think UCLA has the gas to stay ahead of Michigan if the Wolverines are playing to their capabilities—even at home.