The UCLA Bruins (5-2) will battle with the Villanova Wildcats (6-4) for an appealing college basketball betting opportunity on Saturday, December 9 at 7:00 PM ET. The Wildcats are favored to win with a point spread at -4.5 (-110).

The Bruins are coming into this game with some solid momentum, going 3-2 over their last five games. Their previous battle was a successful one, beating the UC Riverside Highlanders 66-65.

Interestingly, they have lost to current ranked teams such as the seventh-ranked Gonzaga Bulldogs by four and to the eighth-ranked Marquette Golden Eagles by two points. But, they still have issues against weaker teams and it does not make a lot of sense.

Sebastian Mack leads their offense with 14.7 points per game. As a whole, they average 71.0 points and shoot 45.8 percent from the field each game. They also move the ball solidly, recording 13.6 assists each game.

The Bruins have done a good job slowing teams down to 57.9 points a game. They also create a hostile environment on defense, with 3.7 blocks and 6.6 steals each game.

The Wildcats are another volatile situation this season that is similar to the Bruins. They have gone 2-3 in their last five games, while currently on a three-game losing streak. Their most recent defeat was a 72-71 overtime loss to the Kansas State Wildcats.

Their two wins in the last five games were against respectable opponents, such as the current ninth-ranked North Carolina Tar Heels and Memphis Tigers. But, they have not shown the same team over their last three games.

Eric Dixon averages 14.4 points a game to help push along their offense. As a result, the Wildcats put up 74.0 points a game and are connecting on 41.0 percent of their shots. In addition, they average slightly less assists each game at 11.8 compared to the Bruins.

The Wildcats have done well in slowing teams down to 65.6 points a game. They are not as lucky on the defensive end in getting blocks and steals, at 1.8 and 5.8 respectively. 

MyBookie offers their odds for this matchup, showing that the Villanova Wildcats are favored to win. According to market analysis, the Wildcats have an 84.7 percent probability of winning.

This should be an entertaining matchup, as both teams have shown they can handle quality teams in the nation. Assuming they both live up to their stats, the Wildcats are an appealing option here.