Florida Gators vs UCLA Bruins Point Spread Picks

Florida is a great defensive team and favored, but this #4 seed UCLA team is strong on defense and great on offense. The Bruins are back to running-and-gunning at #12 in the nation in scoring (81.8 points per game), and #10 in shooting (49%). UCLA has a terrific one-two punch of 6-5 sophomore Jordan Adams (16.8 ppg) and 6-9 sophomore Kyle Anderson (15 ppg, 8.7 rpg). UCLA is third in the PAC-12 in free throw shooting, and even plays defense at #5 in team defense allowing .432% shooting by opponents. They won the PAC-12 tourney by beating Oregon (82-63), Stanford (84-59) and Arizona (75-71). Notice how great the defense was against two powerhouse offensive teams in Oregon and Arizona. The Bruins are 7-3 ATS in non-conference games and a perfect 5-0 ATS in their last five neutral-site games. In addition, UCLA is 6-0 ATS against a team with a winning record. They match up well with the Gators in what should be a close one, so grab the talented, live dog. Take the points on UCLA.

The Florida Gators, many thought were overrated to be a No. 2 seed in this tournament, but if they are they sure didn't look like it in their opener vs. UCSB who they took out by 28 points. The Gators have lost to just one team since January 29, and that was to Kentucky and UCLA is not a Kentucky-caliber team. The Bruins have some soft losses on their season, losing to California, Montana and Oregon, and have been inconsistent. That inconsistency has led them to a woeful 8-20-1 ATS mark in their last 29 following an ATS win, and they are just 4-10 ATS in their last 14 on a neutral court. The Gators up the ante vs. good teams as they are 6-1-1 ATS in their last eight vs. a winning team. Take Florida and lay the points here.