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Game Preview UCLA Bruins @ California Golden Bears
The UCLA Bruins and California Golden Bears meet Tuesday night in San Francisco for a renewed rivalry in the Empire Classic. Both teams sit at 5-1 overall and are coming off dominant wins over Presbyterian and Sacramento State, respectively. UCLA, now a member of the Big Ten, and Cal, a new ACC team, were former Pac-12 rivals who haven’t met since February 2024, when the Bruins won 61-60 in Berkeley.
UCLA is favored with a spread of -8.5 and has momentum after back-to-back wins. The Bruins bounced back from a neutral-site loss to Arizona by beating Sacramento State and Presbyterian by a combined 71 points. Head coach Mick Cronin has praised his team’s improved attitude and defensive intensity, rewarding bench players with starts in recent games. Skyy Clark scored 22 points on 81.8% shooting in their last outing and leads a well-rounded group that includes Eric Dailey Jr., who is shooting 46.7% from three.
Cal enters with similar confidence after back-to-back wins over Presbyterian and Sacramento State. The Golden Bears held Sacramento State to just 26.9% shooting, with guard Justin Pippen leading the defensive charge. Chris Bell has been the offensive star, averaging 20.7 points over his last three games while shooting 54.5% from beyond the arc. Mark Madsen’s group is averaging over 85 points per game and will need to bring that offensive efficiency to match the Bruins’ firepower.
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Odds and Key Information
| Category | Advantage |
|---|---|
| Offensive Firepower | California |
| Defensive Depth | Get real-time line movement at NCAAB odds and scores |
| Three-Point Shooting | Even |
| Coaching Experience | UCLA |
| Guard Play | UCLA |
UCLA Bruins Outlook
The Bruins are ranked 18th in the AP poll and are off to a 5-1 start. They’ve dominated unranked opponents with suffocating defense and have shown improved chemistry since their early-season loss to Arizona. Mick Cronin has kept the team grounded by emphasizing team culture and rewarding effort over reputation.
Skyy Clark leads UCLA in scoring and floor leadership, while Eric Dailey Jr., Brandon Williams, and Donovan Dent round out a group that combines youth with size and energy. The Bruins shoot 49.4% from the field and maintain a 55.2% effective FG percentage, both signs of offensive discipline.
They are 4-0 straight up as favorites and have covered the spread in 3 of those games. With starters like Tyler Bilodeau questionable due to a knee injury, depth will again be tested. Still, the Bruins have shown that defensive intensity and perimeter shooting can carry them even without a full roster.
California Golden Bears Outlook
Cal is also 5-1 and has found its rhythm offensively, averaging 85.2 points per game and shooting 49.2% from the field. The Golden Bears have covered in four of their last five games and are beginning to gel under Mark Madsen’s system.
Chris Bell has emerged as the go-to scorer, while Michigan transfer Justin Pippen and freshman Dai Dai Ames provide energy on both ends. Their guard play has improved dramatically, and their ability to stretch the floor has opened up opportunities inside for players like John Camden.
Cal’s only loss came in a shootout at Kansas State, where they allowed 99 points. Their defense has since tightened up, holding Presbyterian and Sacramento State to under 60 and 67 points, respectively. This game will test their ability to defend at a high level over 40 minutes against a top-25 team.
Betting Trends
- UCLA is 4-2 ATS and 4-1 as a favorite
- Cal is 4-2 ATS and 5-0 as a favorite, 0-1 as an underdog
- UCLA is 3-1 ATS in its last 4 neutral-site games
- Cal is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games played on a Tuesday
- The over is 4-2 in UCLA games and 5-1 in Cal’s
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Prediction
UCLA’s size, defense, and efficient half-court offense make them the better all-around team, but California has the perimeter firepower and offensive rhythm to keep things close. Expect a fast-paced game with scoring bursts from both sides.
If Chris Bell stays hot and Cal controls the tempo, the Bruins could be pushed late into the second half. Still, Cronin’s system thrives in tight games, and Skyy Clark has proven to be a steady closer. UCLA should win, but California looks strong enough to cover the spread.
Projected Score: UCLA 78, California 71
Pick: California +8.5
Total Lean: Over 143.5
Why You Need Expert Picks
Non-conference rivalry games like this one often defy rankings and require deeper analysis to bet with confidence. The Handicappers Leaderboard showcases top-performing NCAAB experts and data-driven models that highlight value across every game.
Whether you’re betting the spread, total, or building a parlay, expert picks give you the edge you need in tight matchups. View the latest NCAAB picks to see how pros are playing Tuesday’s slate.
