Expert prediction
NCAA Second Round: UCLA vs UConn Preview, Odds, Predictions (March 22)
Pick rationale
Analysis & key factors
- The Bruins got past UCF in the Round of 64.
- The Huskies took down Furman in the first round.
- This marks the second all-time matchup between the two squads.
The second round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament will enjoy a battle of the coasts as the UCLA Bruins take on the UConn Huskies on Sunday night. The latter comes out as the slight favorite, duking it out for a spot in the last 16.
How to Watch
- When: Sunday, March 22, 8:45 pm ET
- Where: Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- How to Watch: TNT
NCAA Matchup Odds & Lines
| Team | Odds | Spread | Totals |
|---|---|---|---|
| UCLA | -105 | +4.5 | O136.5 |
| UConn | -115 | -4.5 | U136.5 |
Game Preview
The Bruins (24-11) are making a solid run in March Madness, escaping with a close win over UCF in the Round of 64. Eric Dailey Jr. scored a team-leading 20 points, connecting on 8 of 17 shots. Perry had 15 points and five rebounds, and Xavier Booker registered 15 points, eight rebounds and four blocks. Donovan Dent also scored in double figures (10 points), finishing the game with five assists, a season-high six steals, and five rebounds.
Dan Hurley and the Huskies (30-5) fended off a potential upset, taking down Furman in the first round. Tarris Reed Jr. turned in one of the great March Madness performances in the modern history of the tournament, erupting for 31 points and 27 rebounds. Reed Jr. became the first player in 58 years to record a 30p-25r line in an NCAA Tournament and one of three men (Elvin Hayes and Jerry Lucas the others) to ever post such a line in the Big Dance. Alex Karaban scored 15 of his 22 points in the second half, while Braylon Mullins was the third Husky in double-figures with 12 points, adding a career-high six assists and three clutch steals.
UCLA vs UConn Head-to-Head
The two programs have had one meeting in their history, and the result is 1-0 for the Bruins. The last matchup was in March 1995 when UCLA won 102-96 at home.
UCLA vs UConn Predictions
The winner of this matchup will take on Michigan State in the Sweet 16. UCLA will hope to improve its health, needing Tyler Bilodeau to come back as he missed the UCF game due to injury. They will hope for Donovan Dent and Eric Dailey to deliver solid performances, but if they can’t stop Tarris Reed and Alex Karaban, expect the Huskies to coast to a close win. Our betting pick here is for the Huskies to defend a 4.5-point spread.
- Free NCAAB pick: UConn Huskies -4.5
NCAAB
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