UCLA vs. Villanova Basketball: Game Preview and Prediction

This is a premier match-up between two big-name programs that will play one another in non-conference play.

Both schools have played some quality competition and have played well overall this season. Still, UCLA has not defeated the ranked teams they have played and Villanova has beaten top-tier opponents but has lost four games to non-ranked opponents thus far this season.

College Basketball: Ranking the Nine “Blue Blood” programs

whether a certain college basketball program is a "blue blood" program but we are going to rank the nine most commonly considered blue blood programs.

Let’s look at this match-up between the Bruins and the Wildcats.

As UCLA travels to play Villanova on the East Coast, this one will be one of the most important non-conference games for the Bruins. After a disappointing season in 2021–2022, the Wildcats hope to improve and play as they did in 2021–2022 when they advanced to the NCAA Tournament Final Four.

Last week, in both the Coaches Poll and the AP polls, Villanova was ranked No. 15 and No. 18, respectively. This week, the Wildcats are not ranked due to losing three straight games. When these two teams play today, it is a game with two teams that need a win to boost their NCAA Tournament resume after losing some recent games.

Where are both teams in the various computer-based rankings at this time?

UCLA

Rating Percentage Index Ranking: 225

College Basketball Power Index Rankings: 89

Pomeroy College Basketball Ratings Ranking: 41

Villanova

Rating Percentage Index  (RPI) Ranking: 79

College Basketball Power Index (BPI) Ranking: 64

Pomeroy College Basketball Ratings (KenPom) Ranking: 32

Past Events and Game Forecasts

The two teams’ past encounters: UCLA has faced Villanova five times, with the Wildcats emerging victorious in three of those meetings.

Their most recent meeting: UCLA defeated Villanova 86-77 in 2021.

Opponent last season: As a prominent Big East Conference member, Villanova the previous season ended up tied for sixth place in the Big East.

Prediction: Villanova 73  UCLA 79