Alabama Crimson Tide vs UCLA Bruins Point Spread Picks

UCLA had lost four in a row while having trouble closing out games, but the Bruins gained enormous confidence by beating Michigan State in overtime in the play-in game as they went on to defeat BYU and Abilene Christian, covering the number in both. Cody Riley had 12 points and 12 rebounds while Johnny Juzang scored a team-leading 17 points and the UCLA defense held the Wildcats to 30% shooting and 4 of 19 on 3-pointers. The game went UNDER by 18.5 points as Abilene Christian was held to 21 points in the First-Half, and this was after BYU was held to just 27 points before intermission in the previous game. UCLA allows 67.9 points per game, including 31.7 in the First-Half, and Alabama allows 69.5 points per game. The Bruins are 9-3 ATS its last 12 games as underdogs, and the Crimson Tide is 1-5 ATS its last six NCAA Tournament games as a favorite. UCLA is also 5-1 UNDER its past six NCAA Tournament games. I have three picks on this game. Play UCLA with the points, take the First-Half UNDER, and also play the full game UNDER for a Max Play.

A long road trip for Alabama out West, a team better than its overall record: Alabama's non-conference strength of schedule is ranked No. 14 in the nation. The Crimson Tide is 5-2 ATS against the Pac 12 and 5-2 ATS in their last 7 road games against a team with a home winning percentage of greater than .600. Alabama leads the SEC in ranks 12th in the nation in three-point field goal percentage defense (27.4 percent). The Tide also ranks second in the SEC in free throw shooting (.714).  UCLA has had an easy non-conference schedule - until the last four games, going 2-2 SU/ATS. The Bruins are 0-6 ATS against the SEC, so grab the visiting dog as UCLA has rival USC on deck. Play Alabama.