UCLA (18-7) at Indiana (15-10)
- When: Feb 14 2025, 8:00 PM
- Where: Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall, Bloomington, IN, USA
- Where to watch: FOX
Game Preview
Point Spread: UCLA -2.0
Total: 138.5
Two of college basketball’s most historic programs collide in Big Ten action on Friday night as Indiana hosts UCLA in Bloomington. With both teams looking to solidify their postseason resumes, this matchup presents intriguing betting opportunities.
UCLA Bruins: Looking to Rebound After Defensive Collapse
UCLA (18-7, 9-5 Big Ten) had been rolling with seven consecutive wins before suffering an 83-78 loss at Illinois on Tuesday. The defeat was a wake-up call for the Bruins, who had been thriving defensively, holding four of their previous five opponents to 61 points or fewer. That effort disappeared against Illinois, which erupted for 52 second-half points, exposing UCLA’s defensive vulnerabilities.
Head coach Mick Cronin didn’t hold back after the loss:
“We got exposed defensively,” Cronin said. “We had different guys that weren’t able to guard the ball and stay in front of it. That was my biggest concern.”
The formula for UCLA has been simple: When they hold opponents under 71 points, they are 15-1. When they allow 72 or more, they are just 3-6. With an average of 64.6 points allowed per game (23rd in the nation), the Bruins need to get back to their defensive identity against an inconsistent Indiana offense.
Key Players to Watch for UCLA:
Tyler Bilodeau (14.3 PPG) – Leading scorer who will be key in breaking down Indiana’s defense.
Sebastian Mack (10.0 PPG) – A growing offensive threat, mainly coming off the bench.
Key Betting Trends for UCLA:
7-1 ATS in last 8 games
4-1 ATS in last 5 road games
1-4 ATS in games allowing 72+ points
UCLA’s ability to keep Indiana’s scoring in check will be a deciding factor. If the Bruins control the tempo and force Indiana into tough shots, they’ll have the edge in covering the short spread.
Indiana Hoosiers: Fighting for Postseason Hopes
Indiana (15-10, 6-8 Big Ten) snapped a five-game losing streak with a much-needed 71-67 road win over No. 11 Michigan State on Tuesday. It was the first time since Jan. 8 that the Hoosiers held an opponent below 70 points, a critical sign for a defense that had been giving up an average of 80.0 PPG during their slump.
Head coach Mike Woodson knows his team is playing for a postseason berth, but consistency remains a challenge.
“These guys have been down. We’ve been scrapping and scratching trying to find a way,” Woodson said. “We have to continue to work. We’re playing to get into the tournament. Anything can happen.”
Defensively, the Hoosiers are still a concern, ranking 228th nationally in points allowed per game (73.2 PPG). They’ll need to tighten up against a UCLA team that is efficient but not overly explosive.
Key Players to Watch for Indiana:
Oumar Ballo (13.7 PPG, 8.2 RPG) – Dominant in the paint, he’ll be key in controlling the glass.
Mackenzie Mgbako (13.0 PPG) – A scoring wing who can stretch the floor.
Malik Reneau (12.7 PPG) – Provides a strong interior presence alongside Ballo.
Key Betting Trends for Indiana:
1-7 SU in last 8 games before Michigan State win
3-6 ATS in last 9 games at home
4-1 ATS in last 5 games as a home underdog
Indiana has talent, but their inconsistent defense and struggles against quality competition make them a risky bet against a disciplined UCLA squad.
Betting Prediction & Best Bets
Best Bet: UCLA -2.0 – The Bruins have been more consistent, and their defense should be able to slow down Indiana’s attack. With a strong ATS record recently, they’re the safer pick.
Over/Under: Under 138.5 – UCLA thrives in low-scoring games, and Indiana has shown defensive improvement. Expect a grind-it-out affair.
Player Prop to Watch: Tyler Bilodeau Over Points – Bilodeau has been UCLA’s most reliable scorer and should take advantage of Indiana’s weaker interior defense.
With UCLA looking to bounce back from a tough loss and Indiana still trying to find stability, the Bruins have the defensive edge to cover the short spread and get back in the win column.
- NCAAB Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
