It’s a big day for college basketball fans! Today is the Day 1 of the First Round of the NCAA Tournament. We must start the tournament with some profit. Therefore, I immediately went to the AI Model to see some of its best bets for tonight’s slate.
Here’s what it came up with.
The Pick
- UCLA -5.5 (-110) at Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
Our Other Picks
Utah State Aggies vs. UCLA Bruins
Thursday, March 20, 2025 – 9:25 PM EDT at Rupp Arena
The AI Model predicts UCLA will win 75-69 over Utah State in the 7-10 game. Meanwhile, the Bruins are only -5.5 against the spread and would cover in this scenario.
Can Utah State’s Offense Show Up Tonight?
The Utah State Aggies have shot a 56% effective field goal percentage while hitting 35.8% from deep and 57.7% from inside the arc.
However, the team must keep turnovers down, going up against UCLA. The Bruins have forced nearly 23% of turnovers and are a significant threat to add a high rate tonight against Utah State.
Utah State Doesn’t Defend Like UCLA
UCLA has allowed a 50.5% effective field goal percentage on defense. Meanwhile, Utah State has given up a 51.8% effective field goal percentage and has allowed teams to shoot 52.6% from inside the arc.
UCLA typically likes to score around the rim and inside the arc. They’ve added more than 52% of points from that range this season and should take advantage of Utah State’s poor defense around there.
Give me UCLA at -5.5.
NCAAB Pick: UCLA -5.5 (-110) at Bet365
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