Here is a game prediction for the round of 64 matchup between the UCLA Bruins and the Utah State Aggies.
This is one of the more interesting first-round matchups set to tip off at approximately 6:25 PM PT on the first day of the round of 64 games at the iconic Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky, where the Kentucky Wildcats play their home games. The broadcast will be on TNT, and it will be the 13th game of the NCAA Tournament for the round of 64.
The tenth-seeded Utah State Aggies, who have a solid record of 26-7 on paper, look to pull the upset against the seventh-seeded UCLA Bruins, who come in with a record of 22-10. The Bruins have three more losses, but they played in the Big Ten Conference compared to the Aggies, who compete in the Mountain West Conference.
UCLA has a formidable defense, which may not be as dominant as last season, but the Bruins offense is considerably better than last season. UCLA has a deeper roster than most teams in the tournament, and they have players who can come off the bench and score. Tyler Bilodeau, a transfer from Oregon State, is not only UCLA's leading scorer but also provides much-needed offense for the Bruins, which the team severely lacked last season. This UCLA team not only made the NCAA tournament as opposed to the previous season but also finished in fourth place in a deep 18-team Big Ten conference.
Utah State has built a reputation for its exceptional outside shooting this season as they have a new coach in Jerrod Calhoun, who had success previously at Youngstown State. A transfer also leads them in former Maryland and Utah guard Ian Martinez, who is averaging just under 17 points a game. Another guard and their second-leading scorer, Mason Falslev helps provide a one-two scoring punch for the Aggies.
The prediction for the game is for UCLA to get back to the staple of the basketball program under Mick Cronin, which is solid man-to-man defense.
The Bruins' formidable strength and solid defense will provide them with a competitive advantage against a Utah State team with solid guard play but has not faced the same competition that UCLA has these past two months, week in and week out. That isn't to say a team like Utah State from the Mountain West couldn't pull off the upset against the Bruins but UCLA matches up well with this Aggies team.
If Utah State can withstand the pressure and shoot effectively from beyond the arc, they could take down UCLA, primarily if the Bruins do not shoot well from beyond the arc. However, UCLA wins this game by a final score of 77-71 over Utah State to advance to the round of 32.
UCLA Bruins
Utah State Aggies