Tue Jan 14 01:50:00 UTC 2025: **UCLA Bruins Favored to Defeat Rutgers Scarlet Knights in Big Ten Matchup**

PISCATAWAY, NJ – The UCLA Bruins (11-5, 2-3 Big Ten) will look to end their three-game losing streak when they face the Rutgers Scarlet Knights (8-8, 1-4 Big Ten) on Monday night at Jersey Mike’s Arena. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET.

Despite their recent struggles, UCLA enters the game as a 3.5-point favorite. The Bruins, currently tied for 10th in the Big Ten, are led by junior forward Tyler Bilodeau (14.9 points, 5.1 rebounds per game) and sophomore guard Eric Dailey Jr. (11.3 points, 4.5 rebounds per game). Both players have been key contributors to the team’s offense.

Rutgers, tied for 16th in the conference, will rely on their strong home-court advantage (7-2 record at home) and the scoring prowess of freshmen Dylan Harper (20.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.4 assists per game) and Ace Bailey (18.9 points, 7.6 rebounds per game). Both players have shown exceptional talent, with Harper even recording a triple-double earlier in the season.

The SportsLine Projection Model, boasting a strong record of 183-130 on its top-rated college basketball picks since 2023, predicts an under on the total points scored (projected at 138), and strongly favors one side of the point spread. For details on the model’s prediction and which team it believes will win, please visit SportsLine.

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