Joralexray Garcia
This Saturday, March 18, action will continue in the second round of the March Madness 2023 with a Northwestern vs UCLA clash that will undoubtedly steal most of the attention.
The only previous meeting between these teams was in 2013, a matchup the Northwestern Wildcats surely won’t want to remember, considering it ended in a 79-95 win in favor of a UCLA Bruins that historically featured players like Kyle Anderson, Norman Powell and Zach LaVine.
Keep reading to find out more about the Northwestern Wildcats vs UCLA Bruins game. Don’t miss out on March Madness! Check all the exciting odds at JefeBet to see which of the top college basketball teams in the United States will come out on top.
Picks and Predictions for the Northwestern Wildcats vs UCLA Bruins NCAA Basketball Championship Round 2 Game on March 18 2023
- Where: Golden 1 Center, Sacramento, California
- When: Saturday, March 18, 2023, 8:40 PM E.T.
Northwestern Wildcats Betting Preview [Sembrado #7]
- Overall Record: 22-11
- Conference Record: 12-8
The Northwestern squad had a decent regular season, but it was unable to transcend much in the Conference Championship, falling in its first game to the Penn State Nittany Lions, in a close game that was decided in overtime (67-65).
However, Northwestern has already turned the page and is focusing on giving its best in this March Madness, where it overcame a good team like Boise State Broncos in the first round by a score of 67-75, thanks to Boo Buie and Chase Audige, who contributed with 22 and 20 points, respectively.
If Northwestern is able to replicate a performance as such, it will greatly benefit its offensive output, given that it averages just 67.7 points scored per game. Those numbers might be enough, considering that the team’s defense in among the best in the league, only allowing 62.3 points per game.
UCLA Bruins Betting Preview [Sembrado #2]
- Overall Record: 30-5
- Conference Record: 18-2
The UCLA Bruins came to this March Madness determined to put a disappointing loss in the Conference Championship final to the Arizona Wildcats behind them. That game was close until the final minute, in which they ended up losing by just two points, 61-59.
They have to seem accomplished that mission, as they defeated the UNC Asheville Bulldogs easily in the previous round by a score of 53-86. This was achieved through a great collective effort, which resulted in five players scoring at least 10 points.
While Northwestern’s defense is good, the Bruins’ defense is much better, being considered the seventh most efficient defense in the league with an average of 60.1 points against and holding opponents to just 40.7% shooting from the field. Offensively, the Bruins are also superior, averaging 74.2 points scored.
JefeBet Prediction
The Wildcats offensive woes are concerning, even more so considering they will be facing one of the best defenses in the league. However, they know they can also do damage with their defense, which has held even teams like Purdue, Illinois and Penn State in check. The Bruins won’t have an easy game either.
In this kind of game, there is a greater emphasis on meticulousness, so it is anticipated that both teams will handle their possession well against such solid defenses, thus generating a slow-paced, low-scoring game.
Prediction: UCLA Bruins Win and Under (NOR 59-63 UCLA)
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