Can the Bruins run Cinderella?
No. 11 UCLA – an atypical bracket buster – will continue its run from a play-in game with a Sweet 16 matchup against No. 2 Alabama in a pre-region semifinal. The tipoff is scheduled for 7:15 pm ET on Sunday evening at the Hink Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The game will be broadcast on TBS.
UCLA (20-9) made its final Sweet 16 appearance in 2017. Second-year coach Mick Cronin warmed up to Bruce at just the right time, and they are one of four Pac-12 teams to play on the second weekend.
Alabama (26-6) is on an eight-game win streak that began before the SEC tournament. The Crimson Tide are looking for their first Elite Eight appearance since 2004, and second-year coach Nate Oates guided Alabama to a pair of double-digit wins in the first two rounds.
Here’s everything you need to know about placing bets on Alabama vs. UCLA in the 2021 NCAA Tournament, including updated odds, trends, and our prediction for the Sweet 16 game.
More March: Live Score | Update bracket | TV schedule
Alabama vs UCLA Odds
- Spread: Alabama -6.5
- over under: Is 145.5
- money Line: Alabama-260, UCLA +215
Three betting trends to watch
– Alabama is 4-6-1 ATS against noncontingent opponents this season, but has covered a single-digit spread in four of their last five games.
– The Crimson Tide is 5-3 ATS through an eight-game winning streak.
– UCLA is 4-3 ATS as an underdog, but they are 3-4 S // U in those games.
Key players of alabama
Senior forward Herb Jones is the leader of the Crimson Tide. He averages 11.3 ppg. And 6.5 rpg. Alabama has three guards, averaging double digits in Jayden Sheckelford (14.3), John Petty (12.5) and Jahwan Queenerley (12.7). The Crimson Tide has eight players who take at least five points per game.
UCLA Key Players
Guards Johnny Zujang and Jaime Jacuzz have loaded the scoring for the Bruins through the tournament. Xujang was the Bruins’ leading scorer in the regular season, and averaged 22.3 points in the tournament. Jakez averages 16.7 in the tournament, and that combination makes UCLA roll. Jules Bernard (10.4), Tiger Campbell (10.1) and Cody Riley (10.0) also average double figures.
Best Individual Matchup: Herb Jones vs. Cody Riley
Jones influences the game beyond her scoring. He has at least six rebellions in every game through Alabama’s winning streak, but will need to join the offense after taking just four shots in a second-round win against Maryland. Riley plays the same role, and he had double-digit rebellion against San Diego State, Arizona State and Oregon State in big games this season. He drew 12 boards in the second round against Abilene Christian.
Alabama v. UCLA State to know
Both teams shoot the ball well from 3-point range in the tournament. UCLA is 24 out of 56 (42.9 percent) in three games. Alabama is 21 out of 47 (44.7%) in two games. Both teams have also defended the 3-point line well. The Crimson Tide’s opponents are 15 to 50 (30 percent) in those two games, and the Bruins’ opponent is 13 of 51 (25.5 percent).
Find out … Jahvan Quernly
Oddly a Villano transfer takes Alabama from 3-point range at 44.2 percent. He has emerged as a consistent scorer for the Crimson Tide with 10 consecutive points or more games. The 6-1 guard also provided 11 assists in a second-round win against Maryland. In a game that features solid guard play on both sides, Quernley can be the difference maker.
Alabama vs. UCLA Prediction
UCLA has presented an interesting challenge for Alabama, especially if Xujang and Jekaj stay warm. The Crimson Tide still matches well on the perimeter, and Jones will see his shot a bit more in this matchup. If they stay warmer than 3-point range, the Bruins could steal the game, but we still like to pull the Crimson Tide to the Elite Eight.
final score: Alabama 74, UCLA 67
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