Big Ten foes will square off in Tuesday night’s Michigan State vs. UCLA matchup at Pauley Pavilion. Following the Spartans’ loss to USC, will MSU bounce back as an underdog? Or are the Bruins the better bet as a 2.5-point home favorite?
Game Matchup & Betting Odds
Michigan State Spartans (+3) at UCLA Bruins (-3); o/u 139
10:00 p.m. ET, Tuesday, February 4, 2025
Pauley Pavilion, Los Angeles, CA
TV: Peacock
Michigan State vs. UCLA Public Betting: Bettors Leaning with Bruins
Our CBB Public Betting Information page indicates that 57% 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.
Akins closes with 11 points vs. USC
Jaden Akins supplied 11 points (5-12 FG, 1-5 3Pt), four rebounds, two assists and one steal in 25 minutes during Saturday’s 70-64 loss to USC. Akins connected on 5-of-12 looks from the field, closing with 11 points, four rebounds, two assists and a steal during Saturday’s loss against the Trojans. The 6-foot-4 senior has started in all 21 games this season, averaging 13.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 0.9 blocks on 25.9 minutes per game. Akins and the Spartans, fresh off their first conference loss of the season, will look to bounce back on the road against UCLA on Tuesday.
Dailey is X-factor in win over Oregon
Eric Dailey had 21 points (8-9 FG, 3-3 3Pt, 2-2 FT) and four rebounds across 23 minutes during Thursday’s 78-52 victory over Oregon. Dailey converted on 8-of-9 looks from the field, closing with 21 points and four rebounds during Thursday’s rout of the Ducks. The 6-foot-8 sophomore led all scorers for the second-straight game, after leading UCLA to a win over the Trojans on Monday. Dailey and the surging Bruins will face a real test when they host the 18-2 Spartans this Tuesday, who are still undefeated in conference play.
Michigan State vs. UCLA CBB Prediction:
Take UCLA. The Bruins are red-hot. They’ve won five straight games against conference foes, covering in three out of those five games in the process. Their latest victory was a blowout win over Oregon 78-52 as a 4.5-point favorite on Saturday. They also won comfortably at Southern Cal (82-76), beating the same Trojans team that the Spartans couldn’t handle over the weekend (70-64 loss for MSU as a 4-point favorite). The Bruins are finally firing on all cylinders after a rocky January.
Michigan State vs. UCLA Hoops Prediction: UCLA BRUINS -3