Can Anyone Slow Down UCLA’s Ridiculous Offense?

If for some reason you doubted UCLA heading into March Madness, you can probably stop. The Bruins scored 97 points while shooting 62.7 percent from the field and turning the ball over just six times in their Round of 64 game against Kent State. UCLA will have a much stiffer test Sunday taking on the Cincinnati Bearcats, a team with one of the best defenses in the country.

SHARK BITES
  • The total has gone UNDER in 8 of UCLA's last 11 games.
  • UCLA is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games against the AAC.
  • Cincinnati is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games.

Offensively, UCLA was a juggernaut against Kent State and you could see just how brilliant Lonzo Ball and TJ Leaf can be with the ball in their hands. However, the Bruins’ flaws were also notable with the team being dreadful defensively and struggling at the charity stripe. Maybe these won’t be an issue if UCLA continues to shoot an incredibly efficient 52.25 percent from the field.

This Bearcats squad continues to look like the best group Mick Cronin has ever had offensively, as Cincy shot 62.8 percent and collected seven offensive rebounds in its victory over Kansas State. Troy Caupain might have played his best game of the season against the Wildcats, with the senior notching a season-high 23 points to go along with seven rebounds. Cronin’s team can score but has not sacrificed his trademark defense, as Cincinnati has held opponents to just 60.8 ppg and a 38.5 shooting percentage.

Cincinnati Bearcats vs UCLA Bruins Matchup

Team Betting Records & Power Rankings

The UCLA Bruins sit at 30-4 (16-18 ATS) on the college basketball season. By comparison, the Cincinnati Bearcats are currently 30-5 (18-14-1 ATS). Looking to bet on the total points scored? UCLA is 17-14-3 OU, and Cincinnati is 16-16-1 OU.

The Bruins - Bearcats odds would favor the Bearcats if the lines were set according to our power ranks. UCLA is rated No. 12 in the current Odds Shark poll, while Cincinnati is at No. 5.

Statistical Matchup

Rating these schools in several key categories is important for handicappers and UCLA has the nation's No. 1-rated offensive output, at 90.56 PPG. The visiting Cincinnati Bearcats defense ranks No. 5 allowing on average 60.83 PPG. The Bruins FG% has averaged 52.2% so far, more than the UCLA Bearcats marksmen have achieved on the year, 45.8% per game.

Recent Outings Betting Recap

The Bearcats got 23 points from Troy Caupain as Cincinnati ran past Kansas State 75-61 on Friday at Golden 1 Center.

TJ Leaf scored 23 points leading the Bruins to a 97-80 victory over Kent State at Golden 1 Center on Friday.

The total has gone UNDER in 8 of UCLA's last 11 games.home UCLA is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games against the AAC.home Cincinnati is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games.away
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