We're just a few hours away from the UCLA Bruins tipping off against the UConn Huskies.
And even with the start quickly approaching, Bruins star Tyler Bilodeau's status remains up in the air.
Whether Bilodeau plays or not, my UCLA vs. UConn predictions and March Madness picks expect a low-scoring clash worthy of two strong defenses on Sunday, March 22.
UCLA vs UConn prediction
Who will win UCLA vs UConn?
UCLA: This is a tough one. My bracket has the UCLA Bruins advancing but that all depends on the status of Bruins big man Tyler Bilodeau (questionable). If he plays, it helps UCLA out on both ends of the floor against a burly UConn Huskies squad.
UCLA vs UConn best bet: Under 136.5 (-116)
Both UCLA and UConn thrive in the half-court, playing with patience that ticks deep into the shot clock.
There’s a ton of motion, away screens and off-ball movement, which takes time to set up. Neither is an explosive 3-point attack, nor do they thrive on fastbreaks or tempo.
There are injuries to watch for each team: UCLA big Tyler Bilodeau and UConn guard Silas Demary Jr.
While these guys can score, I believe they have a bigger impact on defense, considering the matchups. Bilodeau helps handle the Huskies’ size and Demary deals with the Bruins’ talented backcourt.
COVERS INTEL: Sub-140 totals were 1-5 Over/Under through the first two days of the NCAA Tournament. Going back to last year’s Big Dance, sub-140 totals have gone Under in 13 of 18 games.
UCLA vs UConn same-game parlay
Trent Perry is a constant green light on offense. The ball goes in. It doesn’t come back out. He can get to the rim and knock it down from outside. He’s scored 15 or more in three straight outings.
Alex Karaban could be a problem on the glass in Bilodeau doesn’t play. He’s often crashing the offensive boards from the outside, which makes him tough to box out.
UCLA vs UConn SGP
- Under 136.5
- Trent Perry Over 13.5 points
- Alex Karaban Over 5.5 rebounds
Our Big Dance SGP: California Roll
The Bruins' backcourt duo of Perry and Donovan Dent remains extremely dangerous, and they should keep UCLA in a close contest with Connecticut.
Perry has eclipsed this points O/U in three straight contests, while Dent has surpassed 7.5 assists in six of his last eight games when logging 20+ minutes.
UCLA vs UConn SGP
- UCLA +4.5
- Under 136.5
- Trent Perry Over 13.5 points
- Donovan Dent Over 7.5 assists
UCLA vs UConn odds
- Spread: UCLA +4.5 | UConn -4.5
- Moneyline: UCLA +165 | UConn -200
- Over/Under: Over 136 | Under 136
UCLA vs UConn betting trend to know
UConn has covered the spread in just six of its last 20 games (-9.40 Units/-43% ROI). Find more college basketball betting trends for UCLA vs. UConn.
How to watch UCLA vs UConn
| Location | Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, PA |
| Date | Sunday, March 22, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 8:45 p.m. ET |
| TV | TNT |
UCLA vs UConn key injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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