UCLA vs North Carolina Picks and Prediction – 12/21/2024

The No. 18 UCLA Bruins (10-1) take on the North Carolina Tar Heels (6-5) in a high-profile clash at Madison Square Garden. UCLA enters the game on a nine-game win streak, while North Carolina seeks to rebound from a tough 90-84 loss to Florida. Slam dunk your bets with our College Basketball picks.

The UCLA Bruins have been on an impressive run, with a balanced offense averaging 78.8 points per game while shooting an efficient 48.1% from the field. Forward Tyler Bilodeau leads the scoring charge with 14.1 points per game, complemented by his solid rebounding efforts at 5.5 per game. Kobe Johnson has been a key playmaker, dishing out 3.6 assists per game while also leading in steals with 2.3 per contest. The Bruins’ offense was on full display in the dominant 111-75 victory over Prairie View.

Defensively, UCLA has been elite, allowing just 56.8 points per game, one of the lowest in the nation. The Bruins’ aggressive defensive style has translated into 9.3 steals per game, with Johnson spearheading this effort. The Bruins' ability to force turnovers and stifle opposing offenses has been pivotal to the early-season success. Aday Mara has contributed defensively with 1.2 blocks per game, anchoring the paint. 

The North Carolina Tar Heels boast an explosive offense, averaging 86.5 points per game. Guard RJ Davis leads the way with 18.6 points per game and an impressive 86.4% free throw shooting. Seth Trimble and Elliot Cadeau have provided additional playmaking and scoring depth, with Cadeau leading in assists at 5.7 per game. However, despite scoring firepower, North Carolina’s shooting is less reliable, with a 46.8% field goal percentage.

Defensively, the Tar Heels have struggled, giving up 79.7 points per game. The defense will need to step up significantly to contain UCLA’s efficient offense. While Trimble has contributed 1.7 steals per game and Ven-Allen Lubin has added 0.8 blocks per game, overall defensive lapses have been a persistent issue. This was evident in a recent loss to Florida, where an inability to close out defensive possessions proved costly.

UCLA’s defensive strength and recent momentum give them a decisive edge over the inconsistent North Carolina defense. Expect the Bruins’ disciplined approach to prevail in this matchup. Final Score Prediction: UCLA Bruins win and cover 81-73.