If you’re a Villanova fan, you can’t be happy with playing an 11:30pm ET game on the West Coast against UCLA. But that’s what you’re going to get. The Villanova Wildcats will take on the UCLA Bruins, on the road, in Pauley Pavilion, late-night on ESPN2.
Villanova is coming off a 91-51 win against Mount St. Mary’s, and looked absolutely terrific against a former March Madness team. Meanwhile, UCLA also won their first game of the season with a 95-58 win over CSU Bakersfield.
Check out our picks and predictions for Villanova vs UCLA for Friday, November 12.
Villanova vs UCLA odds
Odds via the Covers Line, an average comprised of odds from multiple sportsbooks.
The UCLA Bruins opened as a 2.5-point favorite at home and are currently -4 at some outlets. The total, however, has fallen, having opened at 139.5 and currently 138.5 at most outlets.
Use the live odds widget above to track any future line movements right up until tip-off and be sure to check out the full college basketball odds before placing your bets.
Villanova vs UCLA predictions
Predictions made on 11/12/2021 at 10:15 a.m. ET.
Click on each prediction to jump to the full analysis.
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Villanova vs UCLA game info
• Location: Pauley Pavillion, Los Angeles, CA
• Date: Friday, November 12, 2021
• Tip-off: 11:30 p.m. ET
• TV: ESPN2
Villanova at UCLA betting preview
Injuries
Villanova: Bryant Antoine G (Out)
UCLA: Mac Etienne F (Out), Cody Riley F (Out)
Find our latest NCAA basketball injury reports.
Betting trend to know
Bruins are 7-0 ATS in their last seven games overall. Find more NCAA betting trends for Villanova vs. UCLA.
Villanova vs UCLA picks and predictions
Our predictions are compiled from the analysis of the spread and total and are indications of where we are leaning for this game.
Our best bet is the play that we like the most for this game, which we would actually put some of our bankroll behind.
Spread analysis
Despite winning 95-58 in their home opener against Cal State Bakersfield, UCLA lost forward Cody Riley to an MCL sprain that will keep him out at least one week. Riley averaged 10 points and 5.4 rebounds in 23.3 minutes per game last season and started 31 of 32 contests.
Still, UCLA scored 95 points and absolutely proved that a Top-5 rank made sense for this team. The Bruins will bring back Tyger Campbell at point guard, Johnny Juzang at shooting guard and Jaime Jaquez to man the small forward position. UCLA didn’t really do much in the transfer portal. They’ll rely on what they’ve already got, adding freshman Peyton Watson, who could be a force for this team in the near future.
On the other hand, for Villanova, it was great to see Collin Gillespie back in action, after he missed most of last year and the NCAA Tournament due to injury. Villanova handled Mount St. Mary’s, with the starting five scoring most of their points. It’s important to note that Villanova might not have the depth for this game, with the bench scoring 10 points combined in a 91-51 rout.
Therefore, I’ll play UCLA, even without Riley, knowing this is going to be a fast-paced game. The team that fatigues first will lose, and that’ll likely be Villanova.
Prediction: UCLA -4 (-110)
Over/Under analysis
Villanova dropped 91 against Mount St. Mary’s while UCLA scored 95 against Cal State Bakersfield. Neither of these teams’ opponents were anything special, but you don’t score 90 or more points in a game if you’re not good on offense.
In what I believe will be a fast-paced game, I’d look at the Over to hit. Both teams could end up finishing in the Top-10 when it comes to adjusted efficiency on the offensive end.
Prediction: Over 138.5 (-110)
Best bet
Villanova is going to dominate the Big East, but last year, I think we all realized that the Pac-12 is more talented than any of us thought. With teams like UCLA and Oregon playing so well last year, it’s time to give the Pac-12 some credit.
UCLA has plenty of return players and lots of depth to take over games. The Bruins also shot nearly 50 percent from downtown in their last game. They’re looking to score in transition and can aptly kick it out for a corner three to score some points.
Meanwhile, Villanova is a bit slower offensively, but they take very good shots and always have under Jay Wright. Both teams have the firepower on offense to score at least 70 points in this game. Therefore, I’ll ride the Over as my best bet.
Pick: Over 138.5 (-110)
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