The UCLA Bruins rolled through the non-conference season and have ascended to the No. 2 ranking in the country. They hope that dominance will extend to the Pac-12 slate, although it’s a tough start as the Bruins travel to face the Oregon Ducks.
Both teams are nationally ranked but UCLA has been much more impressive. Oregon will hope the home court advantage can help turn the tide but it will be the underdog in this one as the Bruins hope to take the first step in a conference championship.
Don't miss the hardwood action from the Matthew Knight Arena at 9 p.m. ET on Wednesday, December 28, 2016. Catch every moment of the game live on ESPN2.
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UCLA is 13-0 straight up and 10-3 against the spread. The Bruins have played one true road game and covered the spread in the contest. UCLA has been the favorite in all but one game and has done a nice job, covering in nine of those 12 games.
Oregon is 11-2 straight up and 4-8 against the spread. The Ducks have covered in only two of seven home games this season and hope to be better in this one. They have only been the underdog once this season and failed to cover in that game.
Injury Report
The Oregon Ducks could be in trouble if they don’t have their leading scorer, Chris Boucher, available in this one. He injured his ankle recently and has missed the past two games with the issue.
Boucher has been seen in a boot but the team hopes to have him back for this huge game. He is averaging 14.1 points, 7.8 rebounds and 3.2 blocks per game. He is shooting 58.8 percent from the field on the season and is arguably the team’s best player.
If Boucher is out, Oregon will rely on fellow stars like Tyler Dorsey and Dillon Brooks.
Key Stat
95.8. That’s how many points a game this dynamic UCLA offense is averaging so far this season. The team is No. 2 in the nation for points per game and ranks No. 1 in the nation for assists with 23.6 a game.
T.J. Leaf is leading the way for UCLA, averaging 17.5 points a game and 9.2 rebounds a game. Leaf is aided by Isaac Hamilton and Bryce Alford who combined for another 33.2 points a game.
The Bruins weren’t ranked this high to start the season but have taken down any and all comers this season behind a fantastic collection of talent. UCLA will aim to get this game into a fast-break style while Oregon will aim to slow it down and make sure the Bruins’ athleticism can’t take over.
Free College Basketball ATS Picks
Oregon has been solid in non-conference play but two early losses marred it a bit. The Ducks still have the talent to make a push in the Pac-12, but losing this opener at home to UCLA would be a big blow.
Oregon will give it a huge effort to win this one and move up the national rankings, but it seems unlikely to happen. The Bruins have been arguably the most impressive team in the country in the earlygoing and a road affair against a ranked team won’t intimidate them.
The Bruins have gotten steadily better in the last few seasons and are really peaking now.
UCLA should continue its dominant run with a key road win over a talented Ducks squad. Borcher’s availability is crucial, but it seems like he may either miss this game or be hobbled, which will tilt the scales further in UCLA’s favor.
College Basketball Odds: UCLA 87, Oregon 81
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