Ucla Bruins vs Washington Huskies Picks and Predictions December 3rd 2024

UCLA, Washington Open Big Ten Play with Pac-12 Reunion

Bruins Aim to Keep Winning Streak Alive

UCLA wraps up a six-game homestand on Tuesday by hosting Washington in a historic Big Ten Conference opener for both programs. The Bruins (6-1) are riding a five-game winning streak and coming off a dominant 88-43 win over Southern Utah on Nov. 26.

Dylan Andrews, recovering from a groin injury and early-season inconsistency, had an impressive performance in the blowout victory, contributing 11 points, three assists, and just one turnover.

“When you have a guard (who) is in his third year and started (almost) every game last year and is the one guy (who) has been in your program for three years … he’s probably going to have to have a really good year,” Bruins coach Mick Cronin said. “I’m not saying he’s got to be Player of the Year in the Big Ten, but he’s got to give us production.”

Huskies Riding Momentum from Palm Desert

Washington (6-1) heads into Los Angeles following back-to-back wins at the Acrisure Invitational in Palm Desert. Tyler Harris led the Huskies with 24 points and eight rebounds in a 73-67 win over Colorado State last Thursday. Great Osobor then stepped up with 19 points and eight rebounds in Washington’s 76-69 victory against Santa Clara in Friday’s tournament final.

“He’s playing with a ton of confidence, he’s being aggressive and the one thing he’s doing right now, he’s knocking down shots,” Washington coach Danny Sprinkle said of Harris. “When he’s knocking down his (3-point shots), he’s really hard to guard.”

New Faces, Same Rivalry

Tuesday’s matchup marks the third meeting between the programs in 2023, but both rosters have seen significant overhauls. Washington’s new head coach, Danny Sprinkle, revamped the Huskies’ lineup, bringing in key players like Osobor and Harris. Osobor, who played under Sprinkle at Utah State, leads Washington in scoring (14.6 points per game), rebounding (10.3 per game), and assists (3.9 per game).

Meanwhile, UCLA made its own roster adjustments. Transfers Kobe Johnson (from Southern California) and Tyler Bilodeau (from Oregon State) have stepped into prominent roles. Bilodeau is currently pacing the Bruins with 13.9 points and 5.7 rebounds per game.

Catch Today’s Best College Basketball Picks! See our expert NCAAB picks for today and make informed bets.

Renewed Rivalry in Big Ten Context

The former Pac-12 counterparts split their two matchups last season, with UCLA winning 73-61 in Los Angeles and Washington responding with a 94-77 triumph in Seattle. Now meeting as Big Ten opponents, both teams aim to make a strong impression in their conference debut.

The Bruins will look to capitalize on their home-court advantage and continue their winning streak, while the Huskies aim to carry their momentum into one of the most anticipated games of their early season.