The UCLA Bruins (5-2), ranked 21st in the nation, travel to Paolo Alto to take on the Stanford Cardinal.
The Bruins enter this contest on a three-game winning streak, but their resume lacks quality wins. The five teams UCLA have beaten have been lackluster, and the two losses have been to Illinois and Baylor, two teams that possess talent in their ranks. Stanford have struggled out of the blocks but, in all fairness, have played a significantly tougher schedule.
Can Stanford match up to the Bruins' firepower?
UCLA Bruins vs. Stanford Cardinal: Betting Odds
The Bruins come at you in waves with a measured approach. Five players average double-digits in scoring.
Jaylen Clark has been the most consistent performer for the Bruins, averaging 16 points, seven rebounds, and almost three steals per night. Clark has had a significant impact on both ends of the court.
When the Bruins needed a clutch bucket, they turned to Jaime Jacquez Jr. The ferocious guard leads the team in scoring 17 points per night while shooting over 50% from the field.
Tyger Campbell is a floor general for the Bruins. Campbell averages 15 points per night while leading the team in scoring.
The Bruins do a great job of spacing the floor and have multiple players who attack the interior of the defense, either scoring themselves or dishing to an open teammate.
Spencer Jones leads the Stanford Cardinal, one of three players to score in double-digits. Jones is a menace on defense, leading the Cardinal in blocked shots.
Harrison Ingram is an intriguing player for Stanford. Ingram scores ten points per night while leading the team in assists from the Forward position. Ingram's versatility helps the fluidity of the Cardinal offense.
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UCLA Bruins vs. Stanford Cardinal: Match Details
Fixture: UCLA Bruins @ Stanford Cardinal
Date & Time: Thursday, December 1, 10:30 pm ET
Venue: Maple Pavilion, Stanford, California
UCLA Bruins vs. Stanford Cardinal: Prediction
The lack of quality wins for UCLA gives some pause for this match-up, but we have seen the Bruins step up their level of competition in games against Illinois and Baylor early in the season. Had UCLA won either game, this spread would have been in the double-digits.
Stanford does not have enough offensive firepower to stick with UCLA. The Bruins have been through the rigors of an NCAA tournament and know how to shift gears. Pick UCLA to pull away from Stanford in the second half and cover the spread.
Final Prediction: UCLA Bruins -6 (-110)
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