After their head coach Mick Cronin called them out for being soft and delusional following their loss to Michigan, will UCLA respond with an upset win on Friday? Or will the Terps roll in tonight’s UCLA vs. Maryland matchup? Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET.
Game Matchup & Betting Odds
UCLA Bruins (+5) at Maryland (-5); o/u 139
8:00 p.m. ET, Friday, January 10, 2025
XFINITY Center, College Park, MD
TV: FOX
UCLA vs. Maryland Public Betting: Bettors Taking Points
Our CBB Public Betting Information page indicates that 59% of public bettors are currently backing UCLA when it comes to the spread. This information is subject to change throughout the day, however, so be sure to check the link so you’re receiving the most up-to-date public betting data.
Mack contributes with 17 points in loss
Sebastian Mack contributed 17 points (6-13 FG, 0-3 3Pt, 5-7 FT), seven rebounds and one block over 21 minutes during Tuesday’s 94-75 loss to Michigan. Mack converted on 6-of-13 looks from the field, closing with 17 points, seven rebounds and a block during Tuesday’s stunning defeat at the hands of the Wolverines. The 6-foot-3 sophomore has been productive for the Bruins in his second season with the team, averaging 10.2 points, 1.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 0.9 steals on 21.3 minutes per game. Mack will look to get the Bruins back on track against the Terrapins on Friday.
Rice produces 19 points in loss to Oregon
Rodney Rice produced 19 points (5-8 FG, 3-5 3Pt, 6-6 FT), three rebounds and four assists over 31 minutes during Sunday’s 83-79 loss to Oregon. Rice converted on 5-of-8 looks from the field, leading the Terrapins with 19 points, three rebounds and four assists during Sunday’s loss against the Ducks. The 6-foot-4 sophomore transfer from Virginia Tech has appeared in all 15 games this season (11 starts), averaging 12.1 points, 2.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 0.8 steals on 26.2 minutes per game. Rice has been a high-volume three-point shooter for Maryland this season, converting on 34.9 percent of his looks from deep (5.5 attempts per game).
UCLA vs. Maryland CBB Prediction:
Following the Bruins’ loss to Michigan, Cronin called the players soft, said he was disappointed in “everyone in the locker room,” including his assistant coaches and noted that the players were “delusional.” From here, there’s only two ways to go. Either UCLA folds like a cheap tent or the players circle the wagons, gain some grit and prove its coach wrong. I think it’ll be the latter. I think the Bruins will come out fired up tonight and focused. After all, the Bruins are still 7-3 straight up and 6-4 against the spread. This is still the team that knocked off Gonzaga 65-62 as a 4.5-point underdog in its final game of Gonzaga.
UCLA vs. Maryland College Hoops Prediction: UCLA Bruins +5