WSU Cougars (14-14) vs Bruins (16-13) Handicapping / Spread
The Washington State Cougars are eighth in the Pac-12 having lost three of their last four games. UCLA has won 10 of its last 11 home games. What gives tonight?
Thursday March 1
Los Angeles Sports Arena – Los Angeles, CA
10:30PM
Moneyline: No money line currently listed
Spread: UCLA -10
O/U: 136
Washington State
Unless Washington State can go on a serious run their season will be ending very soon.
Because of that fact it will be especially difficult to go on the road the last week of the regular season. One factor that might motivate them this weekend is revenge from an earlier close loss to UCLA back in their own gym.
The Cougars are capable of a surpriseeffort but it doesn’t seem likely.
Against UCLA earlier in the season forward Brock Motum had one of his monster games with 25 points and 11 boards (they never seem to win when he explodes).
This was a game they played without lead guard Faisal Aden, who is still injured, and as a result guards Reggie Moore and Mike Ladd stepped forward with double figure scoring efforts.
This is a good shooting team that will look to keep the pace fairly slow to keep the game within reach.
Washington St. Cougars vs. UCLA Bruins Betting Lines & Handicapping
UCLA
UCLA is not having the kind of season they wanted but given preseason expectations they have to be thinking that it won’t matter if they can catch fire at the right time – NOW.
I didn’t buy the Bruins preseason and I am not buying them now though.
Sure there is more talent on this team than the typical 16-13 squad but this team is a collection of talent that just doesn’t seem to add up to much.
Against Washington State last time hulking center Josh Smith was in fact a monster. The Cougars don’t really have anyone who can match up with him and it showed as he was 8 for 9 from the floor for 19 points before fouling out.
That might sum up the UCLA season in a nutshell – no discipline even when playing well.
He and the Wear twins make for a formidable front line with their size.
Washington can’t really match up with it that well and without the home crowd egging them on this one might not be as close.
Spread Pick: Washington State +10
O/U Pick: Under
Score Prediction: UCLA 65 – Washington State 59