#9 Nebraska vs UCLA NCAAB Pick: Cornhuskers Visit Bruins in Late-Season Big Ten Test (Mar 3)

Published Mar 3, 11:38am ET by

Gabriel Kozlow - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer

Last updated Mar 3, 11:38am ET

Pick status
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  • #9 Nebraska (24-4) is coming off an 82-67 win against USC.
  • UCLA (19-10) lost their previous match against Minnesota with a 73-78 score.
  • These teams have only played twice since 2016, each team splitting a win each.

The regular season is coming to an end, but not before we get a Big Ten battle as the Nebraska Cornhuskers visit the UCLA Bruins. The game will be played at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles and will be available to watch on FS1.

UCLA BRUINS vs. NEBRASKA CORNHUSKERS Overview Watch On: FSI

DATE & TIME

TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2026 @11:00 PM ET
UCLA BRUINS
Pauley Pavilion
Los Angeles, CA
NEBRASKA CORNHUSKERS
GAME ODDS
BetOnline
UCLA BRUINS -1.5 (-105)
NEBRASKA CORNHUSKERS +1.5 (-105)

Nebraska Look to Prove Top 10 Status

Nebraska is having a great season, closing things out with a top-10 ranking just in time for their March Madness predictions. They are 25–4 overall and 14–4 in the Big Ten. They’ve been solid on defense all year, with a top-15 scoring defense and by holding opponents to 29.4% from three.

For More March Madness Betting Odds and Predictions, See the Full Hub

They are also a serious three-point threat, averaging 10.8 made threes per game on 35.7% shooting. The Cornhuskers are relying primarily on Pryce Sandfort from deep, Sam Hoiberg as their playmaker and defensive anchor, and Berke Buyuktuncel as their interior presence.

Bruins Look for Another Home Upset

The UCLA Bruins are having an okay season so far with a 19–10 record and 11–7 in the Big Ten. They’ve been great at home but mediocre on the road, coming off their latest loss against the Gophers. They’re pretty “mid” in several areas, especially in PPG (77.8) and points allowed (71.7), both of which could be better.

If we compare their stats against their rivals in this game, they trail in points per game, points allowed, rebounding, assists, and steals. They are, however, riding a 4-game home winning streak and are slight favorites at -1.5.

#9 Nebraska versus UCLA NCAAB Pick

This game is tricky, as we all know that Nebraska is the better team overall, but they enter as underdogs on the road against the Bruins. UCLA is -1.5 on the spread with a 143.5 over/under. The moneyline is -120 for UCLA and +100 for Nebraska.

For this game, we are banking on Nebraska’s defense, despite UCLA’s strong play on their home court. Our recommended pick is Nebraska +1.5 on the spread.

Pick
Nebraska Cornhuskers +1.5
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