AAA's 10* PAC-12 *RED DRAGON* (Signature Play!)
(NCAAB) Arizona vs. UCLA, 01/07/2016 4:00 PM, Score: 84 - 87
Point Spread: 3.50 | -109.00 UCLA (Home)
Result: Win
This is a 10* RED DRAGON on UCLA.

While we are primarily a situationally based handicapping service, we don't prescribe to any one single methodology, but instead feel that being flexible with ones approach is the best way to secure profits over the longterm. Sometimes we keep it simple, while other times we'll take into account a bunch of different factors, like motivation, scheduling and significant injuries. Recognizing classic "spot bets" is something we always do as well, IE: the "look ahead" spot, the "let down" spot and the "trap" game. The actual contestants on the field of play rarely enter into our equation when making selections, unless it's a Top 3 player like a LeBron James or Aaron Rodgers etc. One set of criteria which we almost always use when making our decisions, are Against The Spread (ATS) statistics. Sometimes these stats can be overrated and other times they help foreshadow the outcome of a contest.

This particular play is based on a few different factors:

Motivation: The Bruins clearly aren't overly thrilled with their 9-6 record, sitting 12th in the Pac-12. UCLA has lost its last two, most recently an 85-78 setback vs. Washington State. Conversely, the Wildcats are ranked 7th and enter this contest at 13-1, sitting in third in the Pac-12. It's not too hard to imagine Arizona coming in a bit complacent today, while we also expect the home side to play with desperation as it looks to score the upset.

Classic look ahead spot: It's also not too hard to imagine the visitors getting caught looking ahead to their game vs. 12-3 USC on Saturday, the Trojans are currently 9-0 at home to open the year.

Strong and relevant ATS statistics: Note that Arizona has in fact struggled in this spot for bettors this season, going just 2-3 ATS vs. good offensive teams which score 77-plus points per contest, while UCLA has done extremely well by going 10-5 ATS in its last 15 off a loss vs. a conference rival.

The bottom line: The conditions are certainly right for an outright upset and while we obviously wouldn't be shocked if the BRUINS win this one in front of the home town crowd, we will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can.

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