The fun part about March Madness is now the women take over on Monday. That's correct. Eight games are on the slate as the final spots of the Sweet 16 get determined. Let's head to the state of California. At Online Sports Betting, we look at a matchup that might have some late intrigue. First, UCLA vs Creighton Bets feature the UCLA Bruins. They tussle with Creighton, a Big East team that could not handle a team like Connecticut this season.
- WHAT: UCLA Bruins versus Creighton Bluejays
- WHEN: Monday, March 25th, 2024, 8:30 pm ET on ESPN2 or streamed on FUBO TV
- WHERE: Pauley Pavilion, Los Angeles, California
- WHY: Round of 32 matchup in Albany Regional 2
Bettors may not be so adept with the nuances of the women's game but they are enjoying the action. The UCLA vs Creighton Bets like the UCLA team to make a deep run in the Albany 2 region. Now, March Madness Betting 2024 odds can be challenging. After all, the teams out west often do not get a ton of exposure on the East Coast. Updated numbers for Monday are courtesy of Bovada Online Sportsbook.
UCLA vs Creighton Bets Like The Bruins Bravado
UCLA vs Creighton bets like the Bruins bravado. So, though UCLA lost to USC in the PAC-12 tournament, that feels like a distant memory in the Albany 2 region. It does not hurt that UCLA gets to play at home for the first two rounds as the two-seed. Now, that is quite the luxury given their six straight home wins by eight or more points.
Despite that, it is a little surprising that Creighton is a single-digit underdog. Now, that might change between now and Monday night. However, the 9.5 points is reasonable. Some argue an extra three points for home-court advantage is valid. In the ladies' game, that might be a few more. UCLA coasted against California Baptist. They scored 84 points and won by 29. The Bruins could have won the game by 30+ points with ease.
Anyway, it is time to dig into this second round matchup. Let's roll on and preview this Monday night game. Also, this might not be the first game from the West Coast we look at, perhaps?
UCLA Laying 9.5 Points Against Creighton
The UCLA vs Creighton bets enjoy UCLA laying 9.5 points against Creighton. Again, there has been a lot of good back and forth about this. We took some big lumps with Green Bay folding on Saturday against Tennessee. Risks like that are going to happen. However, we cruised with UCLA, USC, and Texas all covering easily. All hit 80+ points too. For the bad, sometimes there is quite a load of good too.
Naturally, we go back to the well on Monday with UCLA. The Bruins run six deep and the best part is only Charisma Osborne is a Senior. That is a heck of a luxury. Osborne and Kiki Rice can rebound well and dish the ball. The two combine for 8.5 assists per game. Also, that rebounding edge leads to a lot of second-chance points. Overall, their rebound margin is fifth best in the nation at +14.1 a contest.
Those are merely a few reasons why UCLA gets high grades going into this contest. Their balance and ability to drive tempo leads to their SRS being above 35 despite a schedule ranked third toughest in the nation. Yes, the PAC-12 has UCLA, USC, and Stanford. That's a heck of a top three in any conference. Next year sure will be different.
Alas, the Lady Bruins likely would face LSU in the next round and that would be fireworks! In the meantime, Creighton does not quite have the same level of athleticism. They could be dangerous against the Bruins early with their speed. However, the problem becomes later in the game. UCLA will not coast in this round. The Bruins can win this by double digits and more.
UCLA vs Creighton Bets Rolling Over?
So, what about UCLA vs Creighton bets rolling with the Over? Right now, the game total is set at 139.5. Let us consider that the Bruins slowed down their offense in Round 1 and still wound up with a combined game total of 139. Creighton will score some points but if UCLA comes anywhere near 80, that means a 140 total is more likely than not.
The fun part comes in with this. How far can one go down the rabbit hole? Today, there was this feeling that Utah State had the wrong strategy against Zach Edey of Purdue in the men's game. Purdue hammered the Aggies like they did not exist. At one point, there were five defenders on Edey and it did not matter. No one is suggesting this matchup will be similar. However, there is a potential UCLA can run away with this game.
Now, that is why we recommend waiting on a few team scoring props. Teasing up to the Over of UCLA scoring 79.5 points will play more than +175 potentially. The recommendation also urges not to look at Creighton's number with expected volatility. Again, remember four quarters in women's basketball helps in games like this.
What About Looking Down The Road?
Finally, what about looking down the road? The next potential game between UCLA and LSU would be incredible. LSU probably would be a favorite in that Sweet 16 matchup. However, the Bruins' balance could drive the Lady Tigers crazy even more than Middle Tennessee State did for a half. UCLA would almost be a mild upset in what amounts to be two Top 5 caliber teams.
Online Sportsbook Reviews And More
As the slates get lighter, the intensity of the basketball gets higher. Now, online sportsbook reviews and more make for a lot of good ways to stretch those dollars and make a few better informed decisions. Good luck!
