Ah, the college basketball season is finally underway, and I love it. On Friday night, we have one of the premier matchups of the college basketball season on the docket. The fourth-ranked Villanova Wildcats will trek across the country to take on number two UCLA at Pauley Pavillion. This is looking like a great matchup, and the college basketball betting odds are suggesting the same.
It’s very possible that these two teams will meet again later in the year, possibly in the Final Four. That’s how good both of these teams are. The Wildcats are led by veteran guard Collin Gillespie, who is the leader on and off the court. He suffered a torn MCL last season, but he is back to clear up some unfinished business. Gillespie’s teammate Jermaine Samuels is also back in Philadelphia this season. He will need to have a great game if the Wildcats want to take down a very talented UCLA team.
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As for the Bruins, they are coming off a devastating loss to Gonzaga in the Final Four last season. Everyone remembers Jalen Suggs’ shot, but UCLA fans would like to forget it. UCLA is great this year, as they bring back tournament heroes Tyger Campbell and Johnny Juzang. Jaime Jaquez also returns, and freshman Peyton Watson is the perfect fit next to Juzang and Campbell. The freshman is a key addition to an already incredibly talented UCLA team.
Now, let’s take a look at the college basketball betting odds for tonight’s game, then make our game prediction.
Villanova vs UCLA | College Basketball Betting
College basketball betting odds can be found at BetMGM Sportsbook.
Spread: VILL +3.5 (-110) | UCLA -3.5 (-110)
Moneyline: VILL (+155) | UCLA (-190)
Total: 138.5 — Over (-110) | Under (-110)
This game will be a chance for both teams to make strong statements at the beginning of the season. As I said, Juzang, Campbell and Watson are going to be hard to stop. Campbell and Juzang were members of the Final Four team last year, so they know how to get it done when it matters. Watson is incredibly athletic and could be a hot name on Freshman awards lists, if he plays well.
As for Villanova, I mean, what can you say about Jay Wright’s Wildcats? They are constantly disrespected. Yet, they somehow find ways to win. Gillespie is a sneaky player of the year prospect, and the help from Samuels should be paramount.
However, with all that being said, I really do like UCLA here. I think they are poised to be a top-five team the majority of the year and dominate the Pac-12. Even with a loss here, Jay Wright’s team will bounce back and likely be a major factor in the Big East. If you think about it, this one’s pretty easy.
College Basketball Betting Pick: UCLA -3.5
