Wisconsin vs UCLA Prediction 1/21/25 College Basketball Picks

The Wisconsin Badgers are visiting the UCLA Bruins on Tuesday, January 21st at the Pauley Pavilion. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s a Wisconsin Badgers vs UCLA Bruins Prediction. We will examine:

The UCLA Bruins’ recent form and player performance

The Wisconsin Badgers’ recent form and player performance

Recent betting trends and streaks involving the UCLA Bruins

Recent betting trends and streaks involving the Wisconsin Badgers

Recent betting trends in games played between Wisconsin Badgers and UCLA Bruins

A summary that ties it all together and produces a favorable betting outcome for the Wisconsin Badgers vs UCLA Bruins game

UCLA Bruins Preview

The UCLA Bruins have a 12-6 record this season and are sitting in 10th place in the Big Ten. UCLA is coming off a 94-70 win over Iowa. The Bruins are 10-8 against the spread, and 7-11 in over/under while having a 9-1 home record. 

Offensively, UCLA is averaging 75.7 points per game, which ranks 165th in the nation. Defensively, they allow 63.7 points per game, which is the 19th-best nationally. The Bruins shoot 46.8% from the field (92nd) and 33.3% from beyond the arc (214th). The Bruins shoot 69.9% from the free-throw line (244th) and are grabbing 33.3 rebounds per game (306th).

Tyler Bilodeau leads UCLA in scoring with an average of 14.6 points and 5 rebounds, while Eric Dailey adds 12.2 points and 4.2 rebounds. UCLA will meet Washington after this game.

Wisconsin Badgers Preview

The Wisconsin Badgers have a 15-3 record this season and are sitting in the 5th place in the Big Ten. Wisconsin is coming off an 84-69 win over Santa Clara. The Badgers are 10-7-1 against the spread, and 12-6 in over/under while having a 2-2 road record.

Offensively, Wisconsin is averaging 82.4 points per game, which ranks 29th in the nation. Defensively, they are allowing 70.3 points per game (151st). The Badgers shoot 47% from the field (85th) and 34.6% from beyond the arc (135th). The Badgers shoot 85.5% from the free throw line, which is the best in the nation, and are grabbing 35.7 rebounds per game (194th).

John Tonje leads Wisconsin in scoring this season, with an average of 17.2 points and 4.8 rebounds, while John Blackwell adds 16.1 points and 4.8 rebounds.

Why the UCLA Bruins will win

• UCLA has won each of its last 25 night games at Edwin W. Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescon following a home win.
• Wisconsin has lost four of its last five road night games against the Big Ten Conference.
• UCLA has won the first half in nine of its last 10 night games at Edwin W. Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescon.

Why the Wisconsin Badgers will win

• Wisconsin has won each of its last seven games.
• UCLA has lost each of its last six night games against AP-ranked opponents.
• Wisconsin has won the first half in each of its last seven games against non-AP-ranked opponents.

Wisconsin Badgers vs UCLA Bruins Prediction

In their only previous meeting back in 2017, UCLA won 72-70 at home, covering the spread, as the game went under the point total. In this Wisconsin Badgers vs UCLA Bruins Prediction, UCLA is coming as -3 home favorites. The Bruins might be almost perfect at home but have been struggling lately, as they are 1-4 in their last 5 games and also 1-4 against the spread. On the other hand, the Badgers are coming in hot, having won seven consecutive games, and are 6-2 against the spread in their last 8 games. I expect the guests to keep this one close, so take the Wisconsin Badgers and lay the points on the road.