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College Basketball

UCLA vs. Colorado Predictions, Odds, Preview

VegasInsider Staff
VegasInsider Staff Sports Betting Expert
6 minute read

Feb. 27, 2021
Thom Cunningham
NCAA BK Expert
VegasInsider.com

The UCLA Bruins find themselves at the top of the Pac-12 standings, heading to Boulder, Colorado to take on the Colorado Buffaloes. Tip is set for 10 p.m. (ET) and will air on ESPN2.

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UCLA-Colorado Betting Odds

  • Spread: Colorado -6.5
  • Money-Line: TBD
  • Total: 135.5

Odds Subject to Change

Colorado is the home favorite for this conference clash, given a -6.5-point spread. Colorado has covered the spread in 14 of its last 25 games, while UCLA is split at 11-11.

The point total is set at 135.5, and could go in either direction based on team trends. UCLA has gone OVER the point total in 13 of its last 22 games, while Colorado has gone UNDER the point total in 15 of its last 25 games.


McKinley Wright IV has led the Colorado Buffaloes to a successful season, going down as one of the greatest players in Boulder's history. (AP)

Betting Analysis – UCLA Bruins

Straight Up - SU, Against the Spread - ATS, Over-Under (O/U)

  • SU: 17-5
  • ATS: 11-11
  • SU - Home: 11-0
  • SU - Away: 6-5
  • O/U: 13-9

UCLA is in for a tough game, facing a good team that plays well at home. They're also missing Chris Smith and Jalen Hill. The name that has stepped up the most is Johnny Juzang, leading the team in points per game with 14.

Cody Riley will have to contest with the Buffaloes big men, a lethal thunder-and-lightning punch for Colorado. A big strength for this team is the three-point shot, shooting 37% from long distance which ranks 57th nationally.

The Bruins are on a current four-game winning streak, but this marks the second of a three game road stretch in which the Bruins play Oregon next. This game marks the first true test UCLA has seen since facing USC in early-February. A win over Arizona is impressive, but beating the Buffaloes in Boulder is perhaps the most difficult task a Pac-12 team can achieve this season.

Betting Analysis – Colorado Buffaloes

Straight Up - SU, Against the Spread - ATS, Over-Under (O/U)

  • SU: 18-7
  • ATS: 14-11
  • SU - Home: 11-1
  • SU - Away: 7-6
  • O/U: 9-15-1

McKinley Wright IV is the heart of this team, one of the best ever to suit up for Colorado has solid average totals across the board. Jeriah Horne has stepped up offensively as of late, but he and Evan Battey will look to take advantage of UCLA missing Hill.

Horne provides a quicker option, one that can stretch the floor. Battey is a bruising big man, better at posting up. These two are lethal together, causing post defense issues for opponents. Watch for these two names to be a difference against UCLA, as they typically play on a whole other level at home.

Colorado's defense and free throw shooting are both top notch, with the best free throw percentage in the nation (83.1%) and the 27th-fewest points allowed per game (63.1). Keep an eye on Dallas Walton as well, a senior who has seen five or more rebounds in four of his last six games.


Inside the Stats – UCLA Bruins

  • PS/G: 73.5 (127th)
  • PA/G: 67.4 (99th)
  • Off Rtg: 108.6 (57th)
  • Def Rtg: 99.5 (168th)

Inside the Stats – Colorado Buffaloes

  • PS/G: 73.8 (119th)
  • PA/G: 63.1 (27th)
  • Off Rtg: 110.1 (45th)
  • Def Rtg: 94.2 (50th)

Key Players to Watch

  • UCLA - Jaime Jaquez (12 PPG, 6 RPG)
  • UCLA - Tyger Campbell (10.9 PPG, 5.6 APG)
  • CU - McKinley Wright IV (14.5 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 5.8 APG)
  • CU - Jeriah Horne (11.5 PPG, 5.8 RPG)

UCLA-Colorado Predictions

UCLA is intriguing, but the Buffaloes at home are too good of a team to bet against. The spread is a bit large however, as UCLA should cover +6.5-points but still lose the game. The point total could go in either direction as well, but with the Bruins missing pieces and playing in Colorado the UNDER seems likely.

There isn't much conviction in either market. The thought is that +6.5 is a bit too high for what should be a great and close game. If this game goes OVER its because UCLA covers the spread (or wins SU) on the offensive play of Juzang, Tyger Campbell and Jaime Jaquez.

  • Score Prediction: Colorado 70 UCLA 64
  • Best Bets: UNDER

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