UCLA vs Texas pregame prediction for March Madness contenders

UCLA and Texas are set for a top 5 showdown this morning in Las Vegas. The line has altered quite a bit since dropping. It started at UCLA -2.5 and got up to -3.5, then went down to -1.5. Signaling that this is heading towards a close finish. Both of these teams are very good and will now put to the test their undefeated records. UCLA is looking to get to 7-0 while Texas is looking to move to 6-0. Both teams are playing elite basketball and figure to be in the mix of things when March comes around.

UCLA has shown the better strength of schedule early. But Texas has been steamrolling everything in their way winning games by 60 and 70 points. We can be for certain that will not happen today. UCLA will need to come out of the gates early and play smart basketball. Texas strength is getting teams to turn the ball over and out in transition. They are averaging an insane 16.2 steals per game, far above the national average. It is imperative to not force themselves into tough situations when on offense.

Madison Booker is the main player that leads the Longhorns. She averages over 18 points per game and over four steals per game. But Texas has a nine-player rotation that can all score in double digits. UCLA doesn’t have as deep of a roster but still can go seven to eight deep. In a game of this magnitude the stars figure to play a lot more than their average minutes. As this will be a back and forth affair all game long.

UCLA doesn’t score as many points as Texas. But they have the rebounding advantage and more chemistry. These girls are playing with one goal on their mind and that is to win a championship. Lauren Betts will have her best game of the season and dominate the paint. In a battle until the final buzzer, the Bruins will come out victorious. Having three top 15 wins on their record in their first seven games.

Prediction: UCLA 79 - Texas 73