Expert prediction
NCAA First Round: UCF vs UCLA Preview, Odds, Predictions (March 20)
Pick rationale
Analysis & key factors
- The Knights are back in their first NCAA Tournament since 2019.
- The Bruins make their fifth NCAA Tournament in the last six seasons.
- This marks the first all-time matchup between the two squads.
The 2026 NCAA Tournament is set for an interesting showdown on March 20 when the UCF Knights take on the UCLA Bruins. The latter stands tall as the slight favorite, paving the way for factors to play in effect as the better team will emerge on the court.
How to Watch
- When: Friday, March 20, 7:25 pm ET
- Where: Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- How to Watch: TBS
NCAA Matchup Odds & Lines
| Team | Odds | Spread | Totals |
|---|---|---|---|
| UCF | -110 | +5.5 | O152 |
| UCLA | -110 | -5.5 | U152 |
Game Preview
The Knights (21-11) secured an At-Large bid to the Big Dance, their first since 2019, despite losing to Arizona in the Big 12 Tournament. The Knights are currently ranked 57th in the nation and third in the Big 12 with a 34.0 three-point percentage. The Black and Gold have been unbeatable during games where they lead with two minutes remaining, sitting at 19-0. In games where UCF records 17 or more assists, the Knights post a 12-1 record. Meanwhile, Themus Fulks stands out as UCF’s floor general, ranking second in the Big 12 and 11th nationally with 6.7 assists per game (214 assists) across 32 games.
The Bruins (23-11) attempted a solid run in the Big Ten Tournament after losing to Purdue in the semifinals. Despite this, they secured an At-Large bid to the NCAA Tournament. The Bruins rank No. 1 in the Big Ten in 3-point shooting and No. 6 in free throw percentage. UCLA’s assist-turnover ratio (1.84-to-1) as a team ranked No. 4 in the Big Ten, through Tuesday, March 17. Tyler Bilodeau has earned third-team All-Big Ten Conference acclaim. Bilodeau has scored in double figures in 27 of 31 games played, including 10 games with 20 or more points. Meanwhile, Donovan Dent has registered 10 or more assists in 10 games (and in four of the Bruins’ last eight contests). Dent ranked No. 4 in the nation (third in the Big Ten) in assists per game (7.7) through Tuesday, March 17.
UCF vs UCLA Head-to-Head
The two programs are facing each other for the first time in their respective histories.
UCF vs UCLA Predictions
The winner of this matchup will take on the victors between UConn and Furman in the second round. The Knights have enjoyed a strong campaign that allowed them to return to the Big Dance. As for UCLA, they will need all the production they can get as the inconsistent stretches they had during conference play will greatly cost them if they don’t perform at a high level. Our betting pick here is the Knights to cover a 5.5-point spread.
- Free NCAAB pick: UCF Knights +5.5
NCAAB
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