UCLA vs Minnesota Prediction 2/28/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The UCLA Bruins and Minnesota Golden Gophers meet Saturday in college basketball action at the Williams Arena. Here’s a UCLA vs. Minnesota prediction. This article will include a UCLA vs. Minnesota pick.

UCLA Bruins Betting Preview

The UCLA Bruins beat Illinois and USC, and they play Nebraska next. UCLA has won 4 of its last 6 games.

The UCLA Bruins are averaging 78 points on 48.7 percent shooting and allowing 71.5 points on 43.1 percent shooting. Tyler Bilodeau is averaging 17.9 points and 5.7 rebounds, while Donovan Dent is averaging 13.9 points and 2.6 rebounds. Trent Perry is the third double-digit scorer and Skyy Clark is grabbing 2.3 rebounds. The UCLA Bruins are shooting 37.8 percent from beyond the arc and 76.8 percent from the free throw line. The UCLA Bruins are allowing 30.9 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 29.1 rebounds per game.

Minnesota Golden Gophers Betting Preview

The Minnesota Golden Gophers beat Rutgers and lost to Michigan, and they play Indiana next. Minnesota has lost 10 of its last 13 games.

The Minnesota Golden Gophers are averaging 70.8 points on 45.7 percent shooting and allowing 68.1 points on 44 percent shooting. Cade Tyson is averaging 19.6 points and 5.7 rebounds, while Jaylen Crocker-Johnson is averaging 13.4 points and 6.8 rebounds. Langston Reynolds is the third double-digit scorer and Isaac Asuma is dishing 3.9 assists. The Minnesota Golden Gophers are shooting 34.3 percent from beyond the arc and 69.5 percent from the free throw line. The Minnesota Golden Gophers are allowing 33.9 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 29 rebounds per game.

Why the Minnesota Golden Gophers will win

• UCLA has lost each of its last four road day games against the Big Ten Conference.
• Minnesota has won four of its last five day games at Williams Arena against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• UCLA has lost the first half in four of its last five games against conference opponents.

Why the UCLA Bruins will win

• Minnesota has lost five of its last six day games against the Big Ten Conference at Williams Arena.
• UCLA has won each of its last three games against non-AP-ranked opponents.

Total Points: Facts

• Each of UCLA’s last seven games against conference opponents has produced a total of 141+ points.
• Fifteen of Minnesota’s last 18 games against the Big Ten Conference at Williams Arena have produced a total of 137+ points.

Matchup/League Facts

• Minnesota ranks 20th among Division 1 teams for opponent free throw attempts per game this season (15.7).
• Minnesota ranks T21st among Division 1 teams for opponent free throws made per game this season (11.4).
• UCLA ranks 18th among Division 1 teams for turnover percentage this season (12.0%).
• UCLA ranks 21st among Division 1 teams for assist to turnover ratio this season (1.69).

UCLA vs Minnesota Prediction

UCLA is playing better ball right now, but it is no stranger to hiccups and it isn’t the same team on the road. No matter what you think of Minnesota, winning in Minneapolis is never easy and it’s where the Gophers have seen 11 of its 13 wins come this season. Outside of an ugly loss to Maryland, Minnesota has won the majority of the games it’s supposed to win. A slight dog at home—that’s where the value is at. The Barn is not an easy spot to win. I’ll grab the free bucket with the gophers in its building.

Randy Chambers's Pick: Minnesota +1.5