UCLA enters top 10 matchup as large favorites with Big Ten control at large against Michigan

UCLA enters today’s top 10 matchup as 7.5-point favorites against Michigan. The No. 2 Bruins have been rolling for most of the season blowing opponents out. Now they have another test against the No. 8 Wolverines with control of the Big Ten at stake. Winner will lead the conference and out themselves in position to win the regular season title. Then head into the Big Ten tournament as the top seed. It figures to be a grind it out battle between both teams with a lot at stake.

UCLA remains undefeated in Big Ten play as they currently sit at 12-0 in the conference and 22-1 overall. The Wolverines are 11-1 in conference play and 20-3 overall. The stakes are high and both teams know that this is a big game. If UCLA can come out with a win, they will have full control of the conference. Putting them a full two games ahead of everybody. If Michigan can pull off the upset, they will be 12-1 in conference and tied with UCLA but will hold the tiebreaker against them and control their destiny to the finish.

UCLA defense is leading the charge and shutting teams down this season

UCLA has been playing elite defense all year. It also helps that their offense is very good and they can outscore most opponents in a high scoring game. But their defense has allowed them to coast to most victories. As the season stretches on the games will get harder and harder and will not be as easy from start to finish. They will need to continue their great 3-point shooting to space the floor. As well as continue to communicate well defensively and take out teams' best players.

The goal for the Bruins will be to take Olivia Olson out of the game. She has been on fire for the Wolverines recently with four straight games of 21 or more points. She can score getting downhill. But her weakness is 3-point shooting where she is only 29.2% on the season. The defense will need to force her into jumpers. On offense, UCLA will rely on Kiki Rice to control the tempo and setup Gabriela Jaquez and Gianna Kneepkens with good looks. While Lauren Betts dominates the paint on both ends of the floor. Buckle up for a fun one!