Two Pac-12 teams go head to head at the Pauley Pavilion as the division leaders host the California Golden Bears. The visitors will try to break free from a five-game winning streak. But, this won’t be an easy task now that the Bruins have a bit of momentum going on. UCLA is on a roll with four-straight victories to their name and enters the game as favorites.

NitroBetting is ready to dish out some timely assists to our bettors all throughout the 2021-22 college basketball season. This time, let’s take a look at the fascinating matchup of California vs. UCLA. Find out more about the teams and the key players, event information, the latest NCAAB odds, and of course, helpful betting trends and expert betting predictions.

California vs. UCLA Game Information

The No. 7-ranked Bruins (14-2, 6-1 Pac-12) are back in action against California (9-10, 2-6 Pac-12) on Thursday evening.

Game time in Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom is 6 p.m. (PT).

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— UCLA Men’s Basketball (@UCLAMBB) January 27, 2022

• When: Thursday, January 27, 2021, 9:00 PM ET
• Where: Pauley Pavilion, Los Angeles, California
• TV: PAC12
• Radio: KXLU 88.9 FM (California) / 103.5 The Game (UCLA)
• Live Stream: PAC 12 Network
• NCAAB Betting Odds: California (+16.5) / UCLA (-16.5)

Why Bet on the California Golden Bears?

California is a defensiv-minded team. The Golden Bears allow 64.5 opponent points (50th) per game while keeping teams’ shooting just under 41% (59th) per game. They do particularly well around the perimeter and hold teams to 30.1% three-point shooting (46th). The team documents a 47.0% opponent two-point shooting (74th) percentage, which should be enough to keep UCLA on their toes. Additionally, rebounding is where the Bears make a difference as well. The team collects 35.8 boards (126th) per game, which draws from a 25.3 defensive rebound-per game average (61st).

California struggle more on the offensive side. The team averages 64.9 points (291st) per game on 43.6% shooting (175th). Although they are the slightly better free-throw shooters at 72.0% (151st), there’s plenty of room for improvement on the field. The Bears hit 47.8% of their shots from the two-point range (254th) while making 33.5% of their attempts from downtown (174th).

Two forwards find their way to the Bears’ injury report. Monty Bowser is out indefinitely with an ankle injury he sustained in December, while D.J. Thorpe missed more action with an undisclosed issue.

Why Bet on the UCLA Bruins?

The Bruins are the hottest team in the Pac-12 right now. They boast a 14-2 record that features two five-game winning streaks. This is their chance to stretch that record to three five-game winning streaks and get a tighter grip on the division’s top spot.

The hosts are among the highest-scoring teams in the league. Head coach Mick Cronin helped his team achieve 78.6 points (22nd) per game. They have acceptable shooting numbers, hitting 45.7% of their shots (77th). Although they have a slightly inferior two-point shooting record at 50.1% (160th), their opponents have to do well protecting the perimeter. The team’s 36.7% three-point percentage (40th) should test California and its defense.

UCLA has something to show on the defensive side, too. The team limits opponents to 65.7 points (70th) per game on 41.3% shooting (75th). They have a proactive short and mid-range defense that limits teams to 46.2% two-point shooting (53rd). On top of that, the squad collects 37.8 total rebounds (58th) per game and excels when it comes to offensive rebounds. This introduces more second-chance opportunities which the side can use to their advantage.

Mac Etienne has been out of the lineup since hurting his knee early in December. There’s no definite date for the forward’s return, but the Bruins’ core team remains unscathed.

California vs. UCLA Betting Trends

• California is 5-5 in their last ten games (6-4 ATS).
• California is 0-3 in their last three games against UCLA (0-3 ATS).
• The totals went over in two of California’s last three games against UCLA.
• UCLA is 4-1 in their last five games at the Pauley Pavilion (1-4 ATS).
• UCLA is 5-0 in their last five home games against California (3-2 ASTS).
• The totals went under in six of UCLA’s last ten home games against California.

California vs. UCLA Expert Betting Prediction

Gonzaga is the clear favorite in this matchup. They have a better overall record and more consistent results along the way. A healthy lineup also means that the team will fire on all cylinders together with home-court advantage. However, Loyola Marymount is not going to leave the court without a fight. They have what it takes to cover the spread. Although a win is a long shot for the squad, we do not overlook the possibility of this being a close one. The Lions produced several surprising results since the season opened. That said, we anticipate an engaging contest between the pairing.

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This is just one of the many sports betting guides that you can read here at Nitrobetting news. Stay tuned for more 2021-22 NCAAB season previews and articles, and don’t forget to check out the latest college basketball odds on our online BTC sportsbook.