UCLA vs Michigan State Pick: First Four, March 18th

UCLA vs Michigan State Pick – Thursday, March 18th – East Region First Four: UCLA closed their season in ugly fashion, losing four straight games, culminating in an 83-79 loss to Oregon St in the PAC 12 quarterfinals. UCLA had six players average double digits during the season but lost one of them, 2nd leading scorer, 6’9 Senior Chris Smith, to a season-ending knee injury after just eight games. They are led in scoring by 6’6 sophomore and Tarzana, California native Johnny Juzang, who averages 14 points, and 4.1 boards per game, while 5’11 Point guard Tyger Campbell averages 10.5 points, with 5.6 assists per game. The other Bruins averaging double digits are Jaime Jaquez Jr, Jules Bernard, and Cody Riley. The Bruins score 72.8 points per game, they hit 46.2% from the field, 36.7% from three, and 72.1% from the line.

〉More March Madness Betting: Texas Southern vs Mount St. Mary’s: First Four

Michigan State turned around their season in late February when they won 5 of their last 7 games to close out the season. They defeated #5 Illinois, #4 Ohio State, and #2 Michigan during that stretch. So they had high hopes when they went into the Big 10 Tournament only to lose immediately in the 2nd round 68-57 to Maryland. They turned the ball over 18 times in the loss and were just 4 of 16 from three. They have only one player averaging double digits in Aaron Henry, who averages 15.3 points, with 5.7 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game. Joey Hauser, and Joshua Langford are 2nd and 3rd in scoring, averaging 9.7 and 9.6 points, respectively. Michigan State scores 69 points per game and often struggles with their shot. They hit 42.4% from the field, 32% from three, and 72.1% from the line.