Donovan Dent, one of the nation’s top point guards, looks to pick up where he left off as No. 7 UCLA faces No. 10 UCF in the Round of 64.
Dent fueled the Bruins’ late surge through Big Ten play and the conference tournament, but a calf injury in the semifinals led UCLA to play it safe and keep him fresh for March.
Now healthy, he’s set to attack a Golden Knights defense that has struggled to contain opposing offenses.
My UCF vs. UCLA predictions see Dent dropping dimes all over Philadelphia, and my March Madness picks take him to top his assist prop on Friday, March 20.
UCF vs UCLA prediction
Who will win UCF vs UCLA?
UCLA: Game models and point spreads peg this as a win for the UCLA Bruins, ranging from a 4-6 point margin over the UCF Golden Knights. The Bruins are much better than their record, with injuries and a tough schedule plaguing them earlier in the year. However, UCLA has looked like an NCAA sleeper over its last eight contests with wins over some higher-seeded foes.
UCF vs UCLA best bet: Donovan Dent Over 8.5 assists (+102)
The Bruins’ late-season surge has a lot to do with Donovan Dent.
He dished out a dozen assists in his first two Big Ten tournament games before getting hurt and averaged almost 10 assists in the 12 games prior to that minor injury.
Dent is fine for the opener against Central Florida. The Golden Knights are one of the weakest defenses the Bruins have faced in a while, with UCF giving up 14 assists an outing and taking on a UCLA offense that ranks in the Top 40 in assist ratio.
Projections sit as high as 10.3 assists from Dent on Friday.
COVERS INTEL: Friday’s total of 152.5 points is tied for the second-highest Over/Under number for a UCLA game since Dec. 23. Game scripts say the Bruins put up 80+ points, upping Dent’s potential assists.
UCF vs UCLA same-game parlay
The Bruins have become a great two-way team in the past month. Their offense has been excellent, and Mick Cronin’s defense has all the pieces back. They have more ways to win than UCF.
The Golden Knights go down swinging. While it may come up short on defense, UCF will push the pace and shoot a ton of triples. The Bruins’ outside shooting has also been great down the stretch, and this could turn into one of the more exciting games of the opening round.
UCF vs UCLA SGP
- UCLA -5.5
- Over 152.5
- Donovan Dent Over 8.5 assists
Our Big Dance SGP: Point Gods
We get a gift from the basketball gods in the Round of 64. This UCF vs. UCLA pairing puts two of the best points guards in the land on display. Donovan Dent vs. Themus Fulks is must-see madness.
UCF vs UCLA SGP
- Donovan Dent Over 14.5 points
- Donovan Dent Over 8.5 assists
- Themus Fulks Over 15.5 points
- Themus Fulks Over 6.5 assists
UCF vs UCLA odds
- Spread: UCF +5.5 | UCLA -5.5
- Moneyline: UCF +190 | UCLA -240
- Over/Under: Over 152.5 | Under 152.5
UCF vs UCLA betting trend to know
UCLA have covered the spread in seven of its last eight games (+5.90 Units/67% ROI). Find more college basketball betting trends for UCF vs. UCLA.
How to watch UCF vs UCLA
| Location | Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, PA |
| Date | Friday, March 20, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 7:25 p.m. ET |
| TV | TBS |
UCF vs UCLA key injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
