UCLA Bruins vs Michigan State Spartans Picks and Prediction for Friday March 13 2026
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The UCLA Bruins face the Michigan State Spartans in the Big Ten Tournament Quarterfinal on Friday, March 13, 2026, at United Center in Chicago, Illinois. Tipoff is scheduled for 9:00 PM ET with television coverage on BTN. Michigan State enters the matchup as a 5.5-point favorite with the total set at 141.5. Be sure to check out our free college basketball picks for more daily predictions and betting insights.
UCLA Bruins Riding Momentum into the Quarterfinal
UCLA enters the Big Ten Tournament Quarterfinal with a 22-10 overall record and a 13-7 mark in Big Ten play. The Bruins advanced in the tournament after recently winning over Rutgers 72-59 in the third round. Over their last five games, UCLA has recently won over Rutgers, USC twice, and Nebraska while recently losing to Minnesota.
On the season, UCLA averages 78.0 points per game while allowing 70.5 points per contest. The Bruins shoot 47% from the field and average 32.5 rebounds with 16.1 assists per game. Defensively, UCLA records 2.9 blocks and 6.3 steals per contest while focusing on efficient offense and disciplined half-court defense.
In the win over Rutgers, Tyler Bilodeau led UCLA with 21 points while Donovan Dent led the team on the glass with 10 rebounds. Dent also contributed 12 assists as the Bruins controlled the tempo and outrebounded Rutgers 40-30. UCLA did shoot just 38% from the field in the game, but their rebounding edge and balanced ball movement helped secure the win as they now face Michigan State on a quick turnaround.
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Michigan State Spartans Enter Rested After Bye
Michigan State enters the Big Ten Tournament Quarterfinal with a 25-6 overall record and a 15-5 record in conference play. The Spartans earned a bye into the quarterfinal round due to their strong regular-season finish. Over their last five games, Michigan State has recently won over Rutgers, Indiana, Purdue, and Ohio State while recently losing to Michigan.
On the season, Michigan State averages 78.8 points per game while allowing 67.8 points per contest. The Spartans shoot 47% from the field and average 40.0 rebounds with 18.3 assists per game. Defensively, Michigan State records 4.2 blocks and 5.2 steals per contest while relying on physical defense and rebounding to control games.
In their most recent game against Michigan, Jaxon Kohler led the Spartans with 23 points and also pulled down eight rebounds. Michigan State shot 45% from the field and kept the rebounding battle close, but struggled to contain Michigan’s shooting. With extra rest from the tournament bye and strong rebounding depth, the Spartans will look to bounce back in this quarterfinal matchup.
UCLA vs Michigan State Pick
UCLA vs Michigan State Spread Pick
- Pick: Michigan State -5.5
Michigan State enters this matchup with a rest advantage and one of the strongest rebounding teams in the Big Ten. The Spartans also have the defensive profile capable of slowing UCLA’s offense while creating second-chance opportunities on the boards. With UCLA playing the night before and Michigan State entering fresh, the Spartans are in a strong position to control the pace and cover the spread.
UCLA vs Michigan State Total Pick
- Pick: Under 141.5
I like the under in this matchup because both teams are capable defensive squads that can slow the tempo in tournament play. Michigan State allows under 68 points per game while UCLA has also shown defensive discipline. With the Spartans likely emphasizing rebounding and half-court offense, this game could turn into a controlled and lower-scoring contest.
Final Score Prediction: Michigan State 74, UCLA 66
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