Oregon Ducks vs Ucla Bruins Picks and Predictions December 8th 2024

UCLA and Oregon Clash in Key Big Ten Showdown

The UCLA Bruins (7-1, 1-0 Big Ten) and No. 12 Oregon Ducks (9-0, 1-0 Big Ten) rekindle their rivalry on Sunday in a marquee early-season Big Ten matchup. Both teams are coming off conference-opening wins, with UCLA defeating Washington 69-58 on Tuesday and Oregon rallying past USC 68-60 on Wednesday.

UCLA: Defensive Dominance and Ball Control

UCLA enters the game on a six-game winning streak, anchored by a suffocating defense that leads the nation in scoring defense (53.1 points per game). The Bruins have also been highly effective at forcing turnovers, averaging 18.9 takeaways per game, second-most in Division I.

Against Washington, UCLA’s offensive execution was on full display, with the team recording 16 assists and only eight turnovers. Tyler Bilodeau (16 points, 9 rebounds), Sebastian Mack (16 points), and Dylan Andrews (12 points) led the way.

“We won because we only had eight turnovers and took care of the ball,” said UCLA coach Mick Cronin. “Our passing, our team play, our execution was good.”

Key Players for UCLA

• Kobe Johnson: Leads the team in steals (19) and assists (28) while maintaining a positive assist-to-turnover ratio.
• Sebastian Mack: Excels at capitalizing on turnovers, leading the team in free throws made (37) and attempted (46).
• Tyler Bilodeau: A versatile forward who contributes on both ends of the floor, nearly securing a double-double against Washington.

The Bruins’ ability to combine defensive pressure with efficient offense has made them a formidable opponent, with all of their wins coming by double digits.

Oregon: Resilient but Tested

Oregon has been pushed to the brink multiple times this season, with narrow wins over Oregon State (78-75) and Alabama (83-81) and an overtime victory against Portland. The Ducks showed their resilience again on Wednesday, rallying from a 10-point deficit to defeat USC.

Freshman guard Jackson Shelstad sparked the comeback with 21 of his career-high 24 points in the second half, while Keeshawn Barthelemy added 18 points off the bench.

“We found a way to win; that’s a great quality to have,” said Oregon coach Dana Altman. “But we’ve used probably three or four of our nine lives already. It’s going to catch up to us if we don’t start playing better.”

Key Players for Oregon

• Jackson Shelstad: The freshman guard has emerged as a key contributor, delivering clutch performances in tight games.
• Nate Bittle: Averaging 14.6 points per game, Bittle will look to bounce back after fouling out against USC.
• Keeshawn Barthelemy: Provides scoring punch off the bench, as demonstrated by his efficient 6-of-9 shooting performance against the Trojans.

Oregon’s ability to close games under pressure has been impressive, but it remains to be seen if that resilience will hold up against UCLA’s disciplined defense.

Key Matchups to Watch

• UCLA’s Defense vs. Oregon’s Offense: The Bruins’ ability to force turnovers and limit scoring will be tested against the Ducks’ balanced attack led by Shelstad and Bittle.
• Rebounding Battle: With both teams featuring strong frontcourt players, control of the boards could play a pivotal role.
• Bench Contributions: Both teams rely on deep rotations, making the performance of players like Barthelemy and Mack critical to the outcome.

What’s at Stake?

For UCLA, a win would solidify their status as one of the best defensive teams in the nation and provide a signature victory early in Big Ten play. Maintaining their efficient ball control and defensive dominance will be key.

Oregon, meanwhile, looks to extend its unbeaten streak and prove its resilience against a top-tier opponent. With narrow escapes earlier in the season, a convincing win over UCLA could validate their lofty national ranking.

Fans can expect a high-intensity clash between two disciplined and talented teams, with both eager to make an early statement in their new conference home.