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NCAA Basketball: Picks for three top 25 Match-ups

By Bryce Bennett

Jan 31, 2017; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach John Calipari reacts during the game against the Georgia Bulldogs in the second half at Rupp Arena. Kentucky defeated Georgia 87-81. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 31, 2017; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach John Calipari reacts during the game against the Georgia Bulldogs in the second half at Rupp Arena. Kentucky defeated Georgia 87-81. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 9, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) celebrates after the game against the Oregon Ducks at Pauley Pavilion. The UCLA Bruins won 82-79. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 9, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) celebrates after the game against the Oregon Ducks at Pauley Pavilion. The UCLA Bruins won 82-79. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 5 UCLA Bruins at No. 4 Arizona Wildcats (-1.5)

Crazy stat: Arizona is 69-1 over its last 70 games at home. Their last loss came to Oregon on January 28, 2016. They put that record on the line tonight as they welcome Steve Alford’s high-flying UCLA Bruins to Tucson. A win tonight will mean at least a share of the Pac-12 title for the Wildcats. When you look at where this team was in December, it would be a remarkable achievement.

UCLA needs some help to get a share of the Pac-12 title, but their concern tonight is getting quality wins for the NCAA tournament. The Bruins are still on the 4-seed line, according to an average of 117 brackets from Bracketmatrix. This is due to a low SOS and only 4 top 50 RPI wins. A victory today will move them to a 3-seed and give them momentum for the conference tournament.

However, I like Arizona in this one. I think the Wildcats will slow the game down at home and keep UCLA from running up and down the court. When forced to defend in the halfcourt and run its offense, UCLA can struggle sometimes. UCLA is also 1-4 over its last five road games against the spread. Expect a close one tonight, but Arizona will win by between four-six points.

Pick: No. 4 Arizona Wildcats (-1.5)

Next: Bracketology: Final February Bubble Watch and the Twitter mailbag

Enjoy the games today and good luck when playing the spread! Check back next week to see a recap and more selections as we head towards March Madness.

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