One of the enjoyable components of March Madness is making an attempt to determine which groups will likely be fashionable, after which deciding if the bandwagon is onto one thing or if it’s truly offering worth going the opposite approach.
Seventh-seeded UCLA appears to be gaining some momentum as a possible darkish horse to go on a run within the East Region, however to make good on that hype, the Bruins might want to begin by swatting apart No. 10 UCF in Philadelphia on Friday night.
The oddsmakers like their probabilities of doing simply that, as Mick Cronin’s Bruins are 5.5-point favorites, which is the most important hole within the 4 7-10 matchups within the bracket.
UCLA vs. UCF odds, prediction
The motive for the UCLA bandwagon filling up is fairly straightforward to see: The Bruins have been terrific down the stretch.
After getting blown out in back-to-back video games in opposition to Michigan and Michigan State, the Bruins went on a heater, profitable six of seven earlier than falling to Purdue within the Big Ten semifinals.
That stretch noticed UCLA accumulate wins over Illinois, Nebraska and Michigan State, all of whom are larger seeds than the Bruins within the Big Dance.
UCF’s present kind is on the opposite finish of the spectrum.
The Knights limp into the match as losers of 4 of their final 5 and 7 of their final 11.
The schedule they confronted was a brute, however it’s not like they’ll be taking up a shrinking violet on Friday night time on the Wells Fargo Center.
What’s extra is that UCF’s obtrusive weak point, a protection that sits outdoors of KenPom’s high 100, matches up with the power of UCLA.
The Bruins are a terrific offensive outfit, rating twenty second within the nation per KenPom.
Betting on College Basketball?
Sometimes there are causes to be doubtful of fashionable groups early within the match, however different instances it’s logical.
We’ll again the Bruins to get the job completed with ease Friday.
The Play: UCLA -5.5 (-110, bet365)
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Michael Leboff is a long-suffering Islanders fan, however a long-profiting sports activities bettor with 10 years of expertise within the playing trade. He loves utilizing sport concept to assist punters win bracket swimming pools, discover lengthy pictures, and discover ways to beat the market in mainstream and area of interest sports activities.
