Both the Alabama Crimson Tide (26-6 SU, 18-13-1 ATS) and UCLA Bruins (20-9 SU, 15-14 ATS) have had relatively easy roads to the Sweet 16. No. 11 UCLA had its toughest challenge in a First Four game vs Michigan State, winning by six points, and has since handled BYU and Abilene Christian by double digits. No. 2 Alabama steamrolled Iona and Maryland in its first two outings.
- Date/Time: March 28, 7:15 p.m.
- Arena: Hinkle Fieldhouse
- TV Coverage: TBS
- Sportsbook Odds: Alabama -6 | O/U 143.5 (Line History)
- UCLA vs Alabama Matchup Report
Sportsbook Odds Analysis
Alabama opened as a comfortable 6-point favorite against UCLA and the line has held at that number. The total opened at 143.5 and has risen to 145.5, although the Crimson Tide and Bruins are a combined 8-3 to the UNDER in their last 11 games.
UCLA News & Notes
After upsetting BYU in the Round of 64, the Bruins cruised to the Sweet 16 with a 67-47 victory over Abilene Christian. They shot 47 percent from the field in that win and were led by Johnny Juzang’s 17 points.
Mick Cronin, in just his second year as head coach of the Bruins, has already made some noise for this storied program, which is now looking for its fourth straight win in the NCAA Tournament.
The disciplined Bruins finished the regular season 34th in the nation in three-point shooting and were 26th in defensive rebounding.
Alabama News & Notes
The Crimson Tide are coming off an impressive offensive showing against a stout defensive team, torching Maryland for 16 treys and 48.5 percent shooting from long range in their 96-77 win on Monday.
Sophomore guard Jaden Shackelford, who averages a team-high 14.3 points per game, led the way with 21 points against the Terrapins and John Petty added 20. Shackelford and Petty are two of four players who average double-digit points for the balanced Alabama attack.
With Nate Oats in his second year at the helm, the Crimson Tide posted their best record since the 1986 season.
Betting Pick: Alabama -6
A month ago, Alabama would have been a double-digit favorite against UCLA. But the Bruins’ 20-point victory over Abilene Christian wasn’t exactly the type of tune-up needed to play the Crimson Tide. Alabama will run the Bruins out of the gym Sunday night.
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Buy Sports Picks Now- UCLA is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games.
- Alabama is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games.
- UCLA is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 vs SEC teams.
