David Banks
California @ UCLA
Pick: UCLA -10.5
UCLA rebounded from its first loss of the season with a 76-63 win over Oregon State on Dec. 30. Star freshman Lonzo Ball scored 23 points dished out seven assists and had six rebounds in the Bruins win. It was UCLA’s 14th win of the young season. Now, the Bruins will take on rival Cal (10-4, 1-1) on Thursday night at Pauley Pavillion.
The Golden Bears are riding a two-game losing streak with consecutive losses to Top 25 programs. Cal dropped a 56-52 decision to No. 12 Virginia and lost 67-62 to 18th-ranked Arizona. Cal head coach Cuonzo Martin would like to avoid three-straight losses, but understands it will take a nearly perfect game from his Bears in order to do so. The Bruins (14-1 overall) are second in the nation in scoring averaging 93.9 points per game. They are the NCAA’s equivalent of the NBA’s Golden State Warriors.
Ball is one of six Bruins who average in double figures. T.J. Leaf, a 6-10 freshman, leads UCLA with 17.5 points per game. Bryce Alford, head coach Steve Alford’s son, averages 16.3 a game. Isaac Hamilton (14.7), Ball (14.3), Aaron Holiday (13.9), and Thomas Welsh (11.1) all play at least 25 minutes a game in Alford’s up-tempo offense. UCLA is currently ranked No.2 in the nation and should cruise through Pac-12 play until another test from No. 18 Arizona on Jan. 21.
Stephen Nover
Marshall -160
Marshall has yet to lose at home this season. The Thundering Herd have always been tough at home covering 72 percent of their last 26 home contests.
Marshall beat Old Dominion twice last season, including winning by 17 points at home on a short spread such as this one. The Monarchs have been having trouble shooting making less than 37 percent from the floor and just 61 percent from the free throw line.