College basketball is back and we have an early season Top 25 clash out in the desert, as UCLA is set to face Illinois on Friday, Nov. 18. Tip-off is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. You can watch the game on ESPNU. Checking in ranked eighth in the country, UCLA enters this game as 2-point favorites with the total set at 146.5. How will this one play out? Let’s dive into the UCLA vs. Illinois predictions below.
UCLA vs. Illinois Odds
- Spread: UCLA -2
- Total: 146.5
Odds via BetRivers. Check out our BetRivers Review to find out how to redeem a $500 risk-free bet.
Game Info
- Date: Friday, Nov. 18
- Time: 9:30 p.m. ET
- Location: T-Mobile Arena — Las Vegas, NV
- TV: ESPNU
UCLA Betting Trends
- UCLA is ranked No. 8 in the latest AP poll.
- Bruins are 3-0 SU & ATS on the season.
- UCLA is 2-1 to the Under so far this season.
- Bruins are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
Illinois Betting Trends
- Illinois is ranked No. 19 in the latest AP poll.
- Fighting Illini are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games overall.
- Illinois is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 neutral site games.
- Under is 6-2 in Fighting Illini’s last 8 overall.
UCLA vs. Illinois Predictions
These two teams represent a clash in style, and that’s what makes this matchup so intriguing. The Bruins are a methodical, half-court jump-shooting team while Illinois likes to play physically with tough defense and strong rebounding.
Both sides have noticed plenty of churn from last year’s starting lineup, which makes this matchup unpredictable in a lot of ways. However, we can expect both sides to bring plenty of energy to this highly-anticipated draw. If we combine UCLA’s slow pace (214th in pace last year) with Illinois’ tough defense and mix in some growing pains with both squads breaking in new pieces, then this one should stay under 146.5 total points. The Bruins are no slouch on defense either, as they ranked 31st in defensive efficiency last season.
The Pick: Under 146.5 total points | -110 at BetRivers Sportsbook