Barry Recks
The No. 4 UCLA Bruins are going to need more wins to lock up the regular-season title in the Pac-12. Up next for the Bruins is a rematch against the struggling Utah Utes, who would love nothing more than to trip up UCLA at home.
Read on for more about this UCLA vs Utah matchup in the 2022-23 college basketball season, including the latest odds, pick, and prediction to win this showdown, as brought to you by JefeBet. Also, don’t forget to check out the other NCAAB game previews here to help you make the best betting decisions.
Predictions and Betting Preview for the UCLA Bruins vs Utah Utes College Basketball Game on February 23, 2023
- Where: Jon M. Huntsman Center, Salt Lake City, Utah
- When: Thursday, February 23, 2023, 11:00 PM ET
[the_ad_placement id=“sports-ncaab”]
Betting on the UCLA Bruins
- Regular Season Record: 23-4
The Bruins might play with deep anger this coming Thursday. Mick Cronin feels that UCLA has been disrespected by the NCAA’s selection committee, which ranked them eighth overall in its recent NCAA tournament projection. An extra-motivated UCLA team is not good news for the Utes, who already suffered a 68-49 home loss at the hands of the Bruins last January.
The Bruins are coming off a 78-43 demolition job of a win against the California Golden Bears last Saturday – UCLA’s sixth win in a row and 14th in Pac-12 play. Watch out for UCLA’s defense to get the job done this Thursday, as the Bruins are sixth in Division I basketball with just 59.4 points allowed per contest. UCLA is 5-4-1 ATS in its last 10 games.
Betting on the Utah Utes
- Regular Season Record: 17-11
Utah is stuck with 10 wins in conference play after back-to-back losses to the Arizona Wildcats last Thursday (88-62) and to the Arizona State Sun Devils last Saturday (67-59). Both those losses were on the road, though, so the Utes should feel good about finally playing in front of a friendlier crowd again this Thursday.
The last time the Utes saw action at home, they defeated the Colorado Buffaloes on Feb. 11, 73-62. Overall this season, Utah has won 12 of 16 home games. The Utes’ defense is also nothing to scoff at, as the team is allowing Pac-12 opponents just a 45.9 eFG% and 28.4 eFG% — both No. 1 in the conference. The Under is 6-4 in Utah’s last 10 outings.
JefeBet Prediction
As mentioned earlier, UCLA has another reason to keep its fire alive and make a big statement victory. Utah’s not going to be an easy customer for the Bruins, though. Taking Utah to cover at home.
Prediction: Utah spread.
