The UC Riverside Highlanders will face the UCLA Bruins in an anticipated NCAA basketball matchup on Tuesday at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles, California. The game is set to tip off at 4 p.m. ET and will be broadcasted on the Big Ten Network.
UC Riverside enters this contest with a record of 6-7, having faced challenges in its previous outings, including losses to the New Mexico Lobos and BYU Cougars earlier this season. Their most recent defeat came at the hands of the St. Thomas Tommies, where they fell 92-78. The Highlanders have shown resilience, managing a positive trend against the spread, boasting a 5-2 record in their last seven lined games.
On the other hand, the UCLA Bruins, currently 9-3, are coming off a high-scoring victory against Cal Poly, where they won 108-97. This matchup against UC Riverside marks a significant challenge for the Highlanders, particularly given UCLA’s talent and strong offensive capabilities. Historically, UCLA has dominated their recent encounters, winning all three matchups in the last twelve years, although UC Riverside has managed to cover the spread in each game.
BetMGM Sportsbook has set the odds with UC Riverside as a +23.5 underdog against the spread, while UCLA is favored at -23.5. The over/under for the game stands at 149.5, reflecting both teams’ playing styles, which tend to be notably slower in tempo. Analysts predict a final score of UCLA 85, UC Riverside 63, hinting that despite the talent gap, the Highlanders could keep the game closer than expected.
Once this game concludes, UCLA will face a period of rest, as it won’t play again until January 3, presenting a strategic break that could affect their momentum.
Overall, while the odds may favor the Bruins significantly, the battle on the court offers UC Riverside an opportunity to showcase its determination and potential to exceed expectations. As they take on such a formidable opponent, fans will be eager to see how the Highlanders respond in this critical matchup.