UCLA vs. Northwestern prediction, odds, time: 2023 NCAA Tournament picks, March Madness bets by proven model

A second-round tilt in the West Region of the 2023 NCAA Tournament features the No. 7 seed Northwestern Wildcats and the No. 2 seed UCLA Bruins battling on Saturday evening. In the first round, the Wildcats outmatched the No. 10 seed Boise State Broncos 75-67. Meanwhile, UCLA was extremely dominant in its first outing, cruising to an 86-53 victory over UNC Asheville.

Tipoff from Golden 1 Center in Sacramento is set for 8:40 p.m. ET. The Bruins are 7.5-point favorites in the latest Northwestern vs. UCLA odds from Caesars Sportsbook, while the over/under for total points scored is 126.5. Before locking in any UCLA vs. Northwestern picks, be sure to see the college basketball predictions and betting advice from SportsLine’s proven computer model. 

The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every Division I college basketball game 10,000 times. The model enters the 2023 NCAA Tournament 79-53 on all-top rated college basketball picks this season, returning nearly $1,300 for $100 players. Anybody who has followed it has seen huge returns. 

Now, the model has set its sights on UCLA vs. Northwestern and revealed its coveted picks and predictions for the NCAA Tournament 2023. You can head to SportsLine to see the picks. Here are several college basketball odds and trends for Northwestern vs. UCLA:

• UCLA vs. Northwestern spread: Bruins -7.5
• UCLA vs. Northwestern over/under: 126.5 points 
• UCLA vs. Northwestern money line: Bruins -350, Wildcats +275
• UCLA: The Bruins are 5-0-1 ATS in their last six games overall
• NW: The Wildcats are 10-2 ATS in their last 12 Saturday games
• UCLA vs. Northwestern picks: See picks at SportsLine

Why Northwestern can cover

Senior guard Boo Buie is a smooth and athletic scoring option in the backcourt. Buie has the ability to get scores from all three levels and has the strength to absorb contact in the lane. Buie leads the squad in both points (17.3) and assists (4.5). In his last outing against Boise State, the New York native finished with 22 points, five rebounds and five assists.

Senior guard Chase Audige gives the Wildcats another reliable playmaker. Audige has the skill set and vision to break down the defense to create efficient looks. The New York native logs 14 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game. In the victory over Boise State, Audige racked up 20 points, six rebounds and four steals. 

Why UCLA can cover 

Senior guard Jaime Jaquez Jr. is a very talented and versatile scorer. Jaquez Jr. uses his strong frame to play physically in the lane. The California native is leading the team in both points (17.3) and rebounds (8.1). He’s recorded nine double-doubles during the regular season. On March 10 against Oregon, Jaquez Jr. tallied 18 points and 10 rebounds. 

Senior guard Tyger Campbell is a speedy facilitator in the backcourt. Campbell has a solid jumper and has the ability to score off the dribble consistently. The Iowa native leads the team in assists (4.9) with 13.4 points per game. On March 9 versus Colorado, Campbell amassed 18 points, seven assists and three steals.

How to make Northwestern vs. UCLA picks

SportsLine’s model is leaning Over on the point total, projecting the teams to combine for 135 points. The model also says one side of the spread has all the value. You can only see the model’s picks at SportsLine.

So who wins UCLA vs. Northwestern? And which side of the spread has all the value? Visit SportsLine now to find out which side of the spread you need to jump on, all from the model that has crushed its college basketball picks, and find out.