The struggling Bruins head East on Monday night to take on Big Ten foe Rutgers at 6:30 p.m. ET. With the Bruins laying 3 points as a road favorite and the total sitting at 139 points, what’s the smart bet in tonight’s conference matchup?
Game Matchup & Betting Odds
UCLA Bruins (-3) at Rutgers Scarlet Knights (+3); o/u 139
6:30 p.m. ET, Monday, January 12, 2025
Jersey Mike’s Arena, Piscataway, NJ
TV: FS1
UCLA vs. Rutgers Public Betting: Bettors Love Bruins
Our CBB Public Betting Information page indicates that 71% 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.
Horry ruled out vs. Maryland
Christian Horry (undisclosed) was held out for Friday’s game against Maryland. Horry has been decimated by injuries this season, but even when he’s available, he hasn’t seen the court. Thus, his absence won’t affect the Bruins moving forward.
Harper inefficient with illness
Dylan Harper (illness) contributed six points (2-9 FG, 0-3 3Pt, 2-3 FT), six rebounds, three assists and one block in 28 minutes during Thursday’s 68-50 loss to Purdue. Harper played his second straight game with an illness and although he played better than he did Monday versus Wisconsin, he was very inefficient. He made just two of his nine field goals, his worst shooting percentage in a full game this season. He also failed to score double digit points, something he has only done in the last two games while dealing with the illness. Whatever illness he is dealing with is clearly affecting his play and he may not be fully himself on the court until he is completely recovers.
UCLA vs. Rutgers CBB Prediction:
Both teams are struggling entering play tonight, as both are looking to end three-game slides. The Bruins lost at Nebraska as a 2.5-point underdog, to Michigan as a 2.5-point home favorite and at Maryland as a 5-point underdog. The Scarlet Knights, meanwhile, lost at Indiana as an 8-point underdog, to Wisconsin as a 1.5-point home dog and to Purdue as a 3-point dog.
With neither team looking impressive, give me the home dog. UCLA was just called out by its head coach Mick Cronin last week following the loss to Michigan. His players responded by getting its ass kicked by Maryland, so clearly Cronin was onto something about his team being soft.
UCLA vs. Rutgers College Hoops Prediction: RUTGERS SCARLET KNIGHTS +3