UCLA vs. Gonzaga Prediction & Odds: College Basketball Betting Preview for Dec. 13

My UCLA vs. Gonzaga prediction analyzes this neutral-site contest between familiar opponents as part of the Seattle Hoops Showdown. Tipoff from Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle is set for 11:30 p.m. ET (ESPN). 

No. 8 Gonzaga is a 9.5-point betting favorite over No. 25 UCLA in what is one of four ranked vs. ranked matchups of the day. The Bruins and Bulldogs have met in each of the last five seasons, and that familiarity between head coaches Mick Cronin and Mark Few has me backing the Under with my best UCLA vs. Gonzaga bet.

✅ UCLA vs. Gonzaga predictions

🏀 UCLA vs. Gonzaga best bet & score prediction

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Under 148.5 (-110) ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Gonzaga has won seven of the 10 all-time meetings against UCLA, going 4-1 in the last five years. But despite its dominance in the rivalry, I am backing the Under as my UCLA vs. Gonzaga best bet given the familiarity between them.

Gonzaga still has to prove it against elite defensive teams

Gonzaga ranks 11th in the country in scoring offense (92.9 points per game) despite returning just 36% of its scoring from last season. But the scoring has not dropped off after adding high-scoring transfers and constructing its roster with four 1,000-point scorers.

While the Bulldogs rank sixth in the country in adjusted offensive efficiency, it has only faced two teams in the top 40 in adjusted defensive efficiency. Gonzaga only mustered 61 points against Michigan, and the Under also cashed in a 6.5 points in a 94-point outburst against Kentucky, when it held the Wildcats to a season-low 59 points.

For as good as Gonzaga is on offense, it may be an even better defensive team, as it is the only team in the country to rank in the top six in both adjusted offensive and defensive efficiency.

Meanwhile, UCLA entered the week ranked third in the Big Ten in scoring defense, after leading its conference in scoring defense for four consecutive seasons. And in the previous two meetings between these teams, neither team has reached 70 points. 

The Under has cashed in 56.5% of UCLA’s games against ranked opponents with head coach Mick Cronin since 2022, and should again be the right side of the total in an unfamiliar arena to both schools.

BetMGM is one of several of the best sports betting sites offering a total of 148.5 at the standard -110 juice and 52.38% implied odds. I am laying down a $10 wager before BetMGM aligns with other sportsbooks on the low end of the market at 147.5. If the Under cashes, my winning wager would net $9.09 in profits.

Score prediction: Gonzaga 76, UCLA 65

🆚 UCLA vs. Gonzaga matchup to watch

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Skyy Clark vs. Gonzaga backcourt

UCLA senior Skyy Clark is averaging 12.7 points through nine games. He has come on strong of late with a 19.0 points per game average in the team’s last two wins, while making 9-of-13 3-point attempts.

Clark made six 3-pointers in a win against Washington last week, making him the first Bruin with six or more made threes in a game since Dylan Andrews in the Pac-12 Tournament in 2024.

While Gonzaga ranks 12th allowing just 26.8% from beyond the arc, the Bruins will likely resort to firing away from the perimeter early and often. The Bulldogs rank in the top 50 in percentage of opponents’ points coming from 2-point range, but have allowed 34% of opponents’ points (106th-highest) to come from 3-point territory.

Best prop bet: Skyy Clark Over 1.5 made 3-pointers (-135 via bet365)

📊 UCLA vs. Gonzaga odds

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📺 How to watch UCLA vs. Gonzaga

• Date: Saturday, Dec. 13
• Tipoff: 11:30 p.m. ET
• Location: Climate Pledge Arena (Seattle)
• TV: ESPN