Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs UCLA Bruins Picks and Predictions for Thursday March 12 2026
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The Rutgers Scarlet Knights and UCLA Bruins meet in the Big Ten Tournament 3rd Round on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. Tip-off is scheduled for 9:00 PM ET with television coverage on BTN. At the time of this writing the odds were not released. Be sure to check out our free college basketball picks for more daily predictions and betting insights.
Rutgers Surges Into Third Round With Tournament Momentum
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights enter this matchup with a 14-18 overall record and a 6-14 mark in Big Ten play this season. Rutgers advanced to the third round of the Big Ten Tournament after defeating Minnesota 72-67 in the second round. Over their last five games, the Scarlet Knights have recently won over Minnesota, Penn State, and Maryland, while also recently losing to Michigan State and Washington.
Rutgers averages 70.9 points per game while allowing 75.2 points per game this season. The Scarlet Knights shoot 42% from the field, collect 33.0 rebounds per game, and average 11.9 assists per contest. Defensively, Rutgers contributes 3.3 blocks and 6.1 steals per game, often relying on defensive pressure and physical play in the paint.
In their tournament win over Minnesota, Tariq Francis led Rutgers with 29 points, delivering an efficient performance by shooting 9-of-16 from the field while also knocking down 6-of-7 free throws. Emmanuel Ogbole led the team with 7 rebounds, helping Rutgers hold a narrow rebounding edge in the contest. The Scarlet Knights shot 46% from the field and 43% from three-point range, showing strong offensive efficiency in the second half. However, with the short turnaround, maintaining that level of shooting and energy against a rested UCLA squad will be a significant challenge.
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Bruins Enter With Rest and Offensive Firepower
The UCLA Bruins come into the Big Ten Tournament third round with a 21-10 overall record and a 13-7 conference record this season after receiving a bye into this round. Over their last five games, UCLA has recently won over USC twice, Nebraska, and Illinois, while also recently losing to Minnesota.
UCLA averages 78.0 points per game while allowing 70.9 points per game this season. The Bruins shoot 47% from the field, collect 32.5 rebounds per game, and average 16.1 assists per contest. Defensively, UCLA contributes 2.9 blocks and 6.3 steals per game, relying on efficient offense and balanced ball movement to control games.
In their most recent game, UCLA defeated USC 89-68 in an impressive rivalry victory. Donovan Dent led the Bruins with 25 points while shooting 11-of-15 from the field, showcasing elite scoring efficiency. Eric Dailey Jr. led the team with 8 rebounds, helping UCLA control the boards in the matchup. The Bruins shot an outstanding 58% from the field and 53% from three-point range, demonstrating the offensive efficiency that has made them one of the most dangerous teams in the conference. With the added rest from the tournament bye, UCLA enters this game with a clear advantage in freshness and rhythm.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs UCLA Bruins Pick
Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs UCLA Bruins Spread Pick
- Pick: UCLA Bruins -8.5
UCLA holds the edge in overall efficiency, offensive production, and rest entering this matchup. Rutgers played a competitive game in the previous round, but the Scarlet Knights now face a Bruins team that shoots the ball extremely well and moves the ball efficiently. With Donovan Dent leading a balanced offensive attack and UCLA playing with extra rest, the Bruins should be able to control the pace and eventually pull away.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs UCLA Bruins Total Pick
- Pick: Over 145.5
I like the over in this matchup because UCLA’s offense has been extremely efficient recently, and Rutgers showed it can score when its perimeter shooting is working. UCLA shot nearly 60% from the field in its last game and should be able to create quality looks again. If Rutgers can contribute enough offense to keep pace, this total has a solid chance to go over.
Final Score Prediction: UCLA 82, Rutgers 71
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