A pair of 11-2 teams battle Saturday afternoon in Big Ten action, as the UCLA Bruins visit the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Tip-off is scheduled at 2:00 p.m. ET from Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, NE, with the game airing live on FOX.
Despite a home winning streak that’s currently at 19 games, the ‘Huskers are just 1-point favorites in the college basketball odds.
With two elite defenses clashing, my UCLA vs. Nebraska predictions and college basketball picks think this could turn into a rockfight.
UCLA vs Nebraska prediction
My best bet
Under 133.5 (-110 at bet365)
My analysis
The UCLA Bruins come into this game with wins in 10 of their last 11, bouncing back from their only loss during that stretch to beat 14th-ranked Gonzaga last time out, 65-62.
UCLA held the Bulldogs to 7-for-24 shooting from 3-point range, a lowly 29.2% clip, while converting 15 turnovers into 18 points.
That helped offset a struggle of an offensive showing, as the Bruins shot a rough 36.4% from the field. They were aided by a 12-for-24 mark from distance.
The Bruins boast the top scoring defense in the Big Ten, allowing teams to post just 58.7 points per game, which ranks sixth in the nation. KenPom ranks them fourth in defensive efficiency, as they hold opponents to 40.1% shooting from the field, and 29.6% from beyond the arc.
The Nebraska Cornhuskers can play some defense too. They’re currently riding a five-game winning streak, most recently crushing Southern, 77-43. Four of Nebraska’s last five wins have been by double-digits, and no opponent has crossed 70 points.
KenPom has them 17th in defensive efficiency, and Nebraska’s 65.1 points per game allowed ranks fourth in the Big Ten, and inside college basketball’s Top 40.
Offensively, these teams are evenly matched, and aren’t exactly smooth operators at that end of the court. Both UCLA and Nebraska ranks outside the Top 10 in Big Ten scoring and in field goal percentage.
UCLA has an Under record of 10-3-0, while Nebraska has seen the Under cash in eight of 13 games this year, including five of its last six.
UCLA vs Nebraska same-game parlay
Under 133.5
Tyler Bilodeau Under 15.5 points
Eric Dailey Jr. Over 0.5 3-point makes
UCLA scoring leader Tyler Bilodeau might be the best frontcourt player the Cornhuskers have seen while on this streak. However, he’s coming off one of his worst games of the season, scoring just seven points on 2-for-10 shooting against Gonzaga.
Nebraska has not let a frontcourt player top the 15.5 line set for Bilodeau during its five-game win streak. In its only game vs. a ranked opponent, they held the Creighton Bluejays’ frontcourt to a grand total of 12 points.
While Bildodeau will play better, Nebraska’s defense and home success is not a recipe to get fully right.
Eric Daily Jr. is coming off his best 3-point shooting effort of the year, going 4-for-5 against the ‘Zags, yet he’s still been given an 0.5 make line for Saturday.
Daily Jr has hit at least one triple in six of his last nine. He’ll need to hit a few to keep Nebraska’s defense honest.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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UCLA vs Nebraska odds
UCLA vs Nebraska live odds
UCLA vs Nebraska opening odds
- Spread: UCLA +1.5 | Nebraska -1.5
- Moneyline: UCLA +110 | Nebraska -128
- Over/Under: Over 134 | Under 134
Odds courtesy of bet365
UCLA vs Nebraska betting trend to know
Nebraska has won six straight as a betting favorite. Find more college basketball betting trends for UCLA vs. Nebraska.
How to watch UCLA vs Nebraska
| Location: |
Pinnacle Bank Arena, Lincoln, NE
|
| Date: | Saturday, 1-4-2025 |
| Tip-off: | 2:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | FOX |
UCLA vs Nebraska key injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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