Minnesota vs UCLA Prediction 2/18/25 College Basketball Picks

In this article, we will formulate a Minnesota vs UCLA prediction for this College Basketball game on Tuesday, February 18th at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles, California. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

Minnesota Golden Gophers Betting Preview

The Minnesota Golden Gophers are 13-12 (5-9) this year after they defeated USC by a score of 69-66 in their last game. Minnesota trailed 38-29 at halftime, but they held USC to just 28 points in the second half for the comeback win. The Golden Gophers shot 43.9% from the field, 27.8% on three-pointers, and 70% on free throws in the game. Lu’Cye Patterson led Minnesota with 25 points and three rebounds, while Frank Mitchell added 15 points and 12 rebounds in the win. 

Prior to that game, the Golden Gophers lost to Illinois by a score of 95-74 but did beat Penn State by a score of 69-61 before that. Minnesota has lost three of their last five games and they are currently tied for 13th in the Big Ten standings with a 5-9 record. Minnesota has scored 69.0 points per game and they have allowed 69.6 points per game, while also averaging 33.6 rebounds and 15.7 assists per game this season. Dawson Garcia is averaging 19.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game, while Lu’Cye Patterson is averaging 11.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game this year. Minnesota is shooting 44.8% from the field, 65.4% on free throws, and 32.7% on three-pointers this season. 

UCLA Bruins Betting Preview

The UCLA Bruins are 19-7 (10-5) this season after they defeated Indiana by a score of 72-68 in their last game. UCLA led 35-25 at halftime and they were able to get the win, despite allowing 43 points in the second half. The Bruins shot 47.3% from the field, 45% on three-pointers, and 78.6% on free throws in the game. Tyler Bilodeau led UCLA with 12 points and five rebounds, while Skyy Clark added 11 points and four rebounds in the game. 

Prior to that victory, the Bruins lost to Illinois by a score of 83-78 but did beat Penn State by a score of 78-54 before that. UCLA has won eight of their last nine games and they are currently tied for fifth in the Big Ten standings with a 10-5 record. UCLA has scored 75.5 points per game and they have allowed 64.8 points per game, while also averaging 32.2 rebounds and 15.9 assists per game this season. Tyler Bilodeau is averaging 14.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game, while Eric Dailey Jr. is averaging 11.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game this year. UCLA is shooting 46.9% from the field, 70.8% on free throws, and 35.2% on three-pointers this season. UCLA will take on Ohio State and Purdue after this game.

Why UCLA will beat Minnesota

• UCLA has won each of its last 10 night games at Edwin W. Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescon against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• Minnesota has lost 11 of its last 14 night games against Conference opponents.
• Minnesota has lost the first half in each of its last five games against Conference opponents.

Total Points Facts

• Each of Minnesota’s last eight night games against non-AP-ranked opponents has produced a total of 130+ points.
• Seven of UCLA’s last eight night games against non-AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 140+ points.

Minnesota vs UCLA Prediction 

UCLA comes into this matchup battling for positioning in the Big Ten standings and they have been red-hot over the last few weeks. The Bruins are shooting 46.9% from the field this year and they have scored at least 78 points in three of their last five games. Minnesota has won two of their last three games, but they are shooting just 44.8% from the field this season. The Golden Gophers have scored 69 points or fewer in four of their last five games and they have been blown out a few times over the last two months. UCLA has been very strong at home this year and I expect them to win this game very easily.