UCLA takes on UNC Asheville in opening round of NCAA Tournament

UNC Asheville Bulldogs (27-7, 16-2 Big South) vs. UCLA Bruins (29-5, 18-2 Pac-12)

Sacramento, California; Thursday, 10:05 p.m. EDT

FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK LINE: UCLA -17.5; over/under is 134.5

BOTTOM LINE: The No. 7 UCLA Bruins play in the first round of the NCAA Tournament against the UNC Asheville Bulldogs.

The Bruins have gone 18-2 against Pac-12 teams, with an 11-3 record in non-conference play. UCLA has a 2-1 record in games decided by less than 4 points.

The Bulldogs are 16-2 in Big South play. UNC Asheville averages 12.9 assists per game to lead the Big South, paced by Caleb Burgess with 4.5.

TOP PERFORMERS: Jaime Jaquez Jr. is averaging 17.3 points and 8.1 rebounds for the Bruins. Tyger Campbell is averaging 15.6 points over the last 10 games for UCLA.

Drew Pember is averaging 21.2 points, 9.4 rebounds and 2.3 blocks for the Bulldogs. Tajion Jones is averaging 16.2 points over the last 10 games for UNC Asheville.

LAST 10 GAMES: Bruins: 9-1, averaging 73.4 points, 33.1 rebounds, 12.5 assists, 7.4 steals and 3.7 blocks per game while shooting 44.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 61.7 points per game.

Bulldogs: 9-1, averaging 74.4 points, 31.8 rebounds, 12.4 assists, 5.9 steals and 3.2 blocks per game while shooting 48.2% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 67.3 points.

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.