UCLA vs. Rutgers: Key Players Clash in Big Ten Showdown

PISCATAWAY, N.J. — UCLA and Rutgers, both seeking to end three-game losing streaks, will face off in a pivotal Big Ten Conference matchup Monday night at Jersey Mike's Arena. The game is set to tip off at 6:30 p.m. ET, with UCLA entering as a 3.5-point favorite and the over/under for total points scored at 139.

The Bruins (11-5, 2-3 Big Ten) are coming off a 79-61 loss to Maryland, while the Scarlet Knights (8-8, 1-4 Big Ten) fell to Purdue 68-50. UCLA, tied for 10th in the conference, has struggled on the road this season with a 1-2 record. Rutgers, tied for 16th, has been strong at home, boasting a 7-2 record.

UCLA’s offense is led by junior forward Tyler Bilodeau, who is averaging 14.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game. In Friday’s loss to Maryland, Bilodeau scored 18 points and grabbed four rebounds. Sophomore guard Eric Dailey Jr., another key player, averages 11.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game. Dailey Jr. had 18 points and six rebounds in a recent win over Gonzaga.

Rutgers counters with standout freshmen Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey. Harper averages 20.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game, while Bailey contributes 18.9 points and 7.6 rebounds per game. Harper recorded a triple-double against Columbia earlier this season, and Bailey scored 39 points in a loss to Indiana.

SportsLine‘s model, which simulates every Division 1 college basketball game 10,000 times, predicts the game will go under the total points line of 139. The model also indicates one side of the spread hits well over 50% of the time.

Fans and bettors alike will be watching closely to see if UCLA can capitalize on its road struggles or if Rutgers can leverage its home-court advantage to secure a much-needed win.