UCLA looks to hit 20-win mark as they're in Minnesota as slight road favorites

UCLA enters today’s game as a slight 1.5-point favorite over Minnesota. As the Bruins looked to hit the 20-win mark and move to 20-9 on the season. From the looks of it, the Bruins looked to be into the NCAA tournament as of right now. Barring a meltdown from them in the last four games they should get in. But they need to continue to play consistent basketball on offense and defense. This would be a good road win for the team and continue their small winning streak.

Over the last two games which have been wins over Illinois and USC. UCLA has received great play from their star transfer Donovan Dent. He is seeing the floor really well and not turning the ball over. While also getting downhill into the basket where he thrives the most. The bench play has also seen a boost in their play. Since Xavier Booker has been moved to the bench with Skyy Clark returning from his injury. The Bruins have gone back to a three-guard lineup and have seen success with it.

Minnesota has a very good scoring guard in Cade Tyson. The Bruins will need to scheme up a way to stop him and force others to beat them. Their defense has done a really good job of doing that recently. Focusing in on teams, best players and trying to take them out of the game. Minnesota may only be 13-15 on the season but their record doesn’t show the full picture. They have a few ranked wins on their schedule and just recently played Michigan pretty well only losing by 10.

The line on this game is close because the game is in Minnesota despite the big record differences. If the Bruins play the way, they have the last two games they should be able to walk away with a win. But their trouble this season has been finding consistency over long periods of time. So, they will need to get out to a lead early and continue to keep their foot on the pedal. They will easily cover the spread in this game if that happens.