No. 24 UCLA vs. Arizona Prediction & College Basketball Odds

This year’s edition of the Arizona-UCLA rivalry will look a lot different.

For one, it will be a nonconference matchup now that both teams have left the Pac-12. Arizona (4-4) is in the Big 12, while No. 24 UCLA (8-1) has joined the Big Ten.

It will also be held on a neutral site inside the Footprint Center in Phoenix rather than in front of a sold-out crowd on either campus. The Bruins and Wildcats will also square off in Las Vegas next year.

Arizona has claimed the last three head-to-head meetings with UCLA, but will the Bruins end that skid on Saturday in a game televised on ESPN2? Tipoff is 3 p.m. ET.

Here is a look at the latest UCLA vs. Arizona college basketball odds and my prediction for this rivalry matchup:

UCLA vs. Arizona College Basketball Odds, Dec. 14

• Point spread: Arizona -4.5
• Total: 146.5

UCLA vs. Arizona Prediction – Saturday, Dec. 14

Based on the latest college basketball odds at the BetMGM online sportsbook, my UCLA vs. Arizona college basketball prediction would be to back the Bruins’ point spread (+4.5) as the better team entering this rivalry matchup.

UCLA has won seven games in a row, marking the ninth-longest win streak in the nation. This includes a pair of victories to begin Big Ten play following Sunday’s 73-71 road win over Oregon.

The Bruins’ defense is elite this year, ranking fourth in adjusted defensive efficiency. They are forcing teams into a turnover rate of 27%, which leads the country.

The Wildcats, meanwhile, have done a good job of taking care of the ball in wins. They have an offensive turnover rate of 12.5% or better in three of their four wins. However, they posted a 22.2% turnover rate in a home loss to Duke and a 19.2% turnover rate in their overtime defeat to West Virginia.

I’m backing the Bruins on Saturday.

Prediction: UCLA +4.5