The Colorado Buffaloes hit the road tonight to take on the UCLA Bruins in Pac 12 college basketball action. The game is scheduled for a 9 p.m. start time and it will be televised nationally on ESPN2. Currently the odds for the game have UCLA favored by double digits in this game.
Both teams spent some time ranked in the Top 25 this season, but both have been bounced out recently. Everyone in the Pac 12 is looking up at Arizona this season as the Wildcats are ranked second best in the country and have only one conference loss. But the Bruins sit in second place for the conference standings with Colorado tied for third with California and Arizona State.
The Bruins will lean on Kyle Anderson, who is dominating games and averaging almost a double-double per game. Anderson is a rare form of size, speed and athleticism and really propels this UCLA team to being dangerous. The Bruins have been averaging just under 83 points per game this season, which ranks 11th best in the country. They also do a great job of getting each other the basketball, racking up better than 17 assists per game. UCLA can get out and score, but they struggle on the road.
Clearly that doesn't mean anything in tonight's game, but make note that the Bruins are very good at home. Their only loss inside Pauley Pavilion came at the hands of No. 1 Arizona and that game was close.
Colorado has been bitten by the injury bug with best player Spencer Dinwiddie going down with a knee injury. The Buffaloes have had to adjust without Dinwiddie in the lineup and have managed to win three straight games, all at home. Colorado already has three losses on the road this season, each of them coming in conference play.
The Buffs are going to need a monster game from Askia Booker. His scoring can keep the Buffaloes in the game. Colorado doesn't score nearly as many points per game as UCLA does, but the Buffaloes can make their possessions count. If they slow the game down a bit and shoot well, they can hang around in this game.
Rebounding will be important as well. If Colorado can snag some offensive rebounds and get some easy put backs, they'll stay close. UCLA doesn't rebound the ball as well as the Buffs do, so that will be an important part of this game. Jordan Adams could be the difference in this game for the Bruins. He leads the team in scoring and should be able to get some points on the board in this one.
We like the Bruins to win, but Colorado shouldn't get blown out.
Free Pick: UCLA 77, Colorado 69
Handicapping Tips: Basketball Specialization
Steve Fezzik, from Pregame.com, discusses how specialization in basketball can aid you in your handicapping.
-$25 of picks FREE! No Obligation - No Credit Card Required - Becoming a member is Fast and Free!
RJ Bell Talks Daily Fantasy Sports — LISTEN on Soundcloud
Stay on top of the latest odds and line moves for CBB Season with our real-time odds from Las Vegas and offshore!