Minnesota Golden Gophers vs UCLA Bruins Point Spread Picks

A big dance tourney game pitting the Pac 12 against the Big 10, a finesse UCLA team against the physical, hard-hitting inside game of the Gophers. Defense and physical plays is a big edge this time of the year with so much at stake each game. UCLA is a young team that loves to run, but is not so great on defense. That was evident in the Pac 12 tourney when they got knocked off by Oregon, giving up 78 points and 47% shooting, including 7-14 from long range. UCLA has depth problems after losing freshman guard Jordan Adams, who suffered a season-ending foot injury on the last play of their Pac-12 semifinal victory Friday against Arizona. Adams is the team’s second-leading scorer and Pac-12 steals leader. The Bruins aren't a deep team, so the loss of Adams puts a lot of strain on the remaining starters. The Bruins are 7-20 ATS in their last 27 neutral-site games. The Bruins have struggled against physical big men this season, and the Golden Gophers have a powerful force down low in 6-8 senior Trevor Mbakwe, who led the Big Ten in rebounding for a second time. He averages 8.7 boards, including a conference-leading 3.3 on the offensive end. The Gophers have four players averaging double figures, and in the toughest conference in the country this season they led the Big 10 in blocks, were third in rebounds, and played strong overall defense. Minnesota posted some impressive wins, knocking off then No. 1 Indiana, beating Wisconsin, and beat Pac-12 schools Stanford, and USC. Go with Minnesota on the moneyline.