NCAA Tournament First-Round Preview: UCLA Bruins vs. Utah State Aggies (March 20, 2025)
Game Details:
- Date & Time: Thursday, March 20, 2025, at 9:25 p.m. ET
- Location: Rupp Arena, Lexington, Kentucky
- Broadcast: TNT
- Betting Odds:
- Point Spread: UCLA -5.5
- Moneyline: UCLA -205 | Utah State +168
- Over/Under: 142.5 points
UCLA Bruins Overview (22-10, 13-7 Big Ten)
The UCLA Bruins, now competing in the Big Ten, enter the tournament as the No. 7 seed in the Midwest Region under head coach Mick Cronin. UCLA combines balanced offense and solid defense, averaging 74.8 points per game while allowing 65.7 points per game.
Key Players:
- Tyler Bilodeau (13.6 PPG, 49.7% FG): The Bruins’ leading scorer, providing efficiency and interior scoring.
- Dylan Andrews (7.1 PPG, 3.3 APG): Facilitates the offense and brings stability to the backcourt.
UCLA Betting Trends:
- ATS Record: 18-13-1 (56.25%)
- Consistent against the spread, especially in tightly contested games.
Utah State Aggies Overview (26-7, 15-5 Mountain West)
Led by head coach Danny Sprinkle, Utah State earned a No. 10 seed after a standout season. The Aggies boast a potent offense, averaging 80.9 points per game, and allow 70.0 points per game on defense.
Key Players:
- Ian Martinez (16.8 PPG): Utah State’s top scorer, capable of attacking from anywhere on the court.
- Mason Falslev (14.9 PPG, 50.4% FG): Provides efficient scoring and helps control tempo.
Utah State Betting Trends:
- ATS Record: 16-16-0 (50%)
Key Matchups to Watch:
- Perimeter Play:
UCLA’s Dylan Andrews will challenge Utah State’s defensive perimeter, while Ian Martinez tests UCLA’s schemes with his scoring ability. - Rebounding Battle:
UCLA’s Tyler Bilodeau will need to control the boards, preventing second-chance opportunities for Utah State’s active frontcourt.
Betting Angles & Trends:
- Against the Spread (ATS):
- UCLA: 18-13-1 ATS (56.25%)
- Utah State: 16-16-0 ATS (50%)
- Over/Under Trends:
- UCLA: Over in 14 of 32 games (43.75%)
- Utah State: Over in 16 of 33 games (48.48%)
The total at 142.5 points is appealing, given both teams’ ability to score efficiently.
Expert Predictions & Best Bets:
🔥 Best Bet: Over 142.5 (-110)
💰 Lean: Utah State +5.5 (-110)
🎯 Prop Bet: Ian Martinez Over 17.5 points
Final Thoughts: UCLA Bruins vs. Utah State Aggies Preview
This first-round matchup highlights a battle between UCLA’s balanced attack and Utah State’s high-scoring offense. Expect a competitive contest where execution and tempo control will be key. Bettors should target both the Over and Utah State covering, as their offense could keep things close.
