UCLA vs Iowa Prediction 1/3/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

In this article we will formulate a UCLA vs Iowa prediction for this College Basketball game on Saturday, January 3rd at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

UCLA Bruins Betting Preview

The UCLA Bruins are 10-3 (2-0) this season after they defeated UC Riverside by a score of 97-65 in their last game. UCLA led 45-34 at halftime and added 52 points in the second half in the win. The Bruins shot 50% from the field, 33% on three pointers, and 85% on free throws in the game. Tyler Bilodeau led UCLA with 34 points and seven rebounds, while Skyy Clark added 14 points and two assists in the win. 

Prior to that game, UCLA defeated Cal Poly by a score of 108-87 and Arizona State by a score of 90-77. The Bruins have scored 81.7 points per game with 33.1 rebounds and 16.5 assists per game, while they have allowed 68.9 points against per game this season. Tyler Bilodeau is averaging 19.0 points and 5.2 rebounds per game, while Skyy Clark is averaging 14.2 points and 2.8 rebounds per game for the Bruins. UCLA is shooting 48.9% from the field, 76.2% on free throws, and 39.8% on three pointers this season. 

Iowa Hawkeyes Betting Preview

The Iowa Hawkeyes are 11-2 (1-1) this year after they defeated UMass-Lowell by a score of 90-62 in their last game. Iowa led 47-30 at halftime and added 43 points in the second half in the lopsided win. The Hawkeyes shot 58% from the field, 29% on three pointers, and 92% on free throws in the game. Bennett Stirtz led Iowa with 22 points and eight assists, while Cam Manyawu added 14 points and nine rebounds in the win. 

Prior to that game, Iowa defeated Bucknell by a score of 94-39 and Western Michigan by a score of 91-51. The Hawkeyes have scored 81.2 points per game with 31.1 rebounds and 17.5 assists per game, while they have allowed 60.1 points against per game this season. Bennett Stirtz is averaging 17.1 points and 2.5 rebounds per game, while Tavion Banks is averaging 9.5 points and 4.4 rebounds per game for the Hawkeyes. Iowa is shooting 53.3% from the field, 74.8% on free throws, and 39.2% on three pointers this year. 

Why the Iowa Hawkeyes will win

• Iowa has won each of its last nine games at Carver-Hawkeye Arena against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• UCLA has lost the first half in seven of its last nine games against AP-ranked opponents.

Why the UCLA Bruins will win

• UCLA has won five of its last six day games.

Total Points Facts

• Fifty-three of Iowa’s last 55 games against non-AP-ranked opponents at Carver-Hawkeye Arena have produced a total of 139+ points.
• Each of UCLA’s last six road games against the Big Ten Conference have produced a total of 140+ points.

UCLA vs Iowa Prediction 

Both of these teams come into this matchup on a three game winning streak, but Iowa is ranked and they are at home. The Hawkeyes are shooting 53% from the field and they have scored at least 83 points in four of their last five, but they have allowed 66 points or fewer in five straight. UCLA is shooting 49% from the field and they have scored 90+ in three straight games, but they are also pretty strong defensively. I think we are going to see a slower paced game with both defenses digging in, so I like the under here.

David Racey's Pick: Under 137.5