UCLA's first game vs. Northwestern in Chicagoland since January 24, 1969 when Lew Alcindor's Bruins took out the Cats 81-67 at Chicago Stadium. The current Bruins have had their problem at pre-2025 Big Ten venues this season, the latest at slumping Purdue on Friday. The only UCLA win against traditional Big Ten foes on the road was February 14 at Indiana. As the Bruins veered off course at Purdue with poor shot selection, the Cats were winning their third straight the same night, whipping Iowa. Chris Collins has NU playing defense, allowing barely 56 ppg during the recent win streak, and the offense has overcome the injury to G Brooks Barnhizer four weeks ago. Play Northwestern.

Big 10 unders are a thing lately but this total is low to me. UCLA has one Big 10 total lower all season and NW is 4-1 over when total is 136 or lower. UCLA has struggled some playing outside the West Coast in conference but still average 67 points in those games. Bruins' Big 10 road games average 142. NW Big 10 home games average 143. Wildcats average 72 ppg at home in Big 10 and are 7-3 to over at home. UCLA is over in 3 of last 4 on road. Bruins 6-3 over on road. NW 14-4 over in Big 10,14-5 over with 2 days rest, 11-4 over after a win. Both can get to 70.