UCLA Bruins vs Minnesota Golden Gophers Picks and Prediction for Saturday, February 28, 2026
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UCLA travels to Minnesota for a Big Ten matchup on Saturday afternoon. The Bruins are 20-8 overall this season and coming off a conference victory in their last outing. Minnesota enters at 18-10 overall following a conference loss its last time on the floor. UCLA has been the more consistent team on both ends of the court. Build your bankroll with our free college basketball picks.
Game Information
- Date: Saturday, February 28
- Time: 1:00 PM ET
- Location: Williams Arena, Minneapolis, MN
- TV: Big Ten Network
UCLA Bruins Preview
UCLA averages 78.0 points per game while shooting 46.7% from the field and 37.8% from three-point range. Tyler Bilodeau leads the team with averages of 17.9 points and 5.7 rebounds per game, giving the Bruins steady scoring inside and out. Donovan Dent adds 13.9 points and a team-high 7.2 assists per contest to control tempo and distribute the ball. Trent Perry contributes 12.7 points per game to round out the top scoring options. Defensively, UCLA plays disciplined half-court defense and averages 6.5 steals and 3.2 blocks per game, using length to contest shots and limit clean looks from deep.
Injury Report: Evan Manjikian is out.
Key Stats – Per Game
- Points: 78.0
- Points Allowed: 70.2
- Rebounds: 32.3
- Assists: 15.6
- Steals: 6.5
- Blocks: 3.2
- Turnovers: 9.2
Minnesota Golden Gophers Preview
Minnesota is averaging 70.8 points per game while shooting 45.7% overall and 34.3% from three-point range. Cade Tyson leads the Gophers with averages of 19.6 points and 5.7 rebounds per game, providing perimeter scoring and rebounding at both ends. Jaylen Crocker-Johnson adds 13.4 points and a team-high 6.8 rebounds per contest to support the interior. Langston Reynolds contributes 11.3 points and 4.5 assists per game to guide the offense. Minnesota averages 17.4 assists per game as a team and records 6.7 steals per contest, but defensive lapses have led to scoring runs by opponents during conference play.
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Injury Report: Chance Stephens, Nehemiah Turner, Jaylen Crocker-Johnson, Max Lorenson, BJ Omot, Robert Vaihola, and Chansey Willis are out.
Key Stats – Per Game
- Points: 70.8
- Points Allowed: 72.4
- Rebounds: 32.0
- Assists: 17.4
- Steals: 6.7
- Blocks: 2.7
- Turnovers: 10.7
UCLA Bruins vs Minnesota Golden Gophers Prediction
UCLA holds the offensive advantage with stronger perimeter shooting and a reliable playmaker in Dent to control the game’s pace. Minnesota relies heavily on Tyson for scoring, and concerns due to injuries limit the Golden Gophers ability to make substitutions as frequently as usual. With balanced scoring and defensive length to contest perimeter attempts, UCLA will take control in the second half. UCLA wins and covers ATS. Final Score Prediction: UCLA Bruins 76-64.
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