Rutgers vs UCLA Prediction 3/12/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights and the UCLA Bruins meet Thursday in college basketball action from the United Center. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s a Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs. UCLA Bruins prediction.

Rutgers Scarlet Knights Recap

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights come into this game looking to add on to their 72-67 win over Minnesota last time out.

Scarlet Knights Looking For Another Upset

Tariq Francis leads the Scarlet Knights in scoring and assists with 17.3 PPG and 2.8 APG as the lone double-digit scorer for Rutgers so far this season while Dylan Grant has 9.9 PPG with 4.4 RPG. Jamichael Davis has 7.3 PPG with 3 RPG and 2.6 APG. Emmanuel Ogbole has 4.5 PPG with a team-high 6.1 RPG to lead Rutgers on the glass so far this season. As a team, Rutgers is averaging 70.9 PPG on 42% shooting from the field, 32.8% from three and 73.9% from the foul line this season.

UCLA Bruins Recap

The UCLA Bruins come into this game as the 6-seed, sitting at 21-10 overall and 13-7 in Big Ten conference play. 

Bruins Looking To Make Big Ten Tournament Run

Tyler Bilodeau leads UCLA in scoring with 18 PPG with 5.8 RPG while Skyy Clark has 11.9 PPG with 2.4 RPG. Donovan Dent has 13.6 PPG with 2.6 RPG and a team-high 7.5 APG to lead the Bruins in the assist department and Eric Dailey Jr. has 11.3 PPG with 5.5 RPG to lead the Bruins in rebounding and Trent Perry has 12.4 PPG with 3 RPG and 2.7 APG to cap off the group of double-digit scorers for UCLA up to this point in the year. Xavier Booker has 7 PPG with 3.5 RPG this season. As a team, UCLA is averaging 78 PPG on 47.2% shooting from the field, 38.2% from three and 76.3% from the foul line this season.

Rutgers Scarlet Knights @ UCLA Bruins Betting Trends: March 12, 2026

Why the UCLA Bruins will win

• UCLA has won each of its last six night games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• Rutgers has lost 12 of its last 15 night games against Conference opponents.
• Rutgers has lost the first half in each of its last eight games against Conference opponents at neutral venues.

Why the Rutgers Scarlet Knights will win

• UCLA has lost eight of its last nine night games played at neutral venues.
• Rutgers has won each of its last three games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• UCLA has lost the first half in three of its last four games played at neutral venues.

Total Points Facts

• Each of UCLA’s last six games against non-AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 143+ points.
• Each of Rutgers’ last four games at United Center have produced a total of 139 or fewer points.

Matchup/League Facts

• UCLA ranks T5th among Division 1 teams for turnovers per game this season (9.0).
• UCLA ranks 7th among Division 1 teams for opponent steals per game this season (4.9).
• Rutgers ranks 46th among Division 1 teams for turnovers per game this season (10.1).

Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs. UCLA Bruins Prediction

I’m on the Bruins here. I just think UCLA is the better team that is far more physical in this matchup, and I think the lack of consistent offense from Rutgers here is going to be their downfall. I think the Bruins just rough up Rutgers enough to walk out with a comfortable win. Give me UCLA.

Chris Ruffolo's Pick: UCLA -12.5