UCLA Bruins vs. UCF Knights odds, predictions, and betting tips – Will Dent and Bilodeau Play for UCLA?

UCLA upset Michigan State in the Big Ten Tournament, but fell to the eventual champions, the Purdue Boilermakers. Meanwhile, UCF is back in the dance for the first time this decade. 

Their win over Michigan State came despite key injuries, which I believe will play a massive role in this game, depending on those players’ status. 

Can the Knights pull an upset? See below.

UCLA vs. UCF best bets

• Tyler Bilodeau 15+ Points – -188 with FanDuel
• Skyy Clark 2+ 3-Point Shots Made – -180 with FanDuel
• Jamichael Stillwell Over 7.5 Rebounds – -125 with BetMGM

UCLA is dealing with a few injuries, including Tyler Bilodeau, Donovan Dent, and Evan Manjikian. Dent and Bilodeau are the headline injuries. That said, according to Adam Zagoria, a basketball insider, both Dent and Bilodeau are scheduled to suit up this week.

But what does that mean? Does that mean they’ll play in the first round? That remains to be seen. Bilodeau averages 17.6 points per game, and Dent is up to 13.5. In addition to them, five total players average 11.3 points per game or better.

UCLA is 21st in offensive efficiency (123.7) and 53rd in defensive efficiency (102.0). 

As for UCF, they’re healthy and have four players averaging 11.7 points per game or better. They have Riley Kugel and Themus Fulks, who both average 14 points per game or more. They’re averaging 81 points per game, which is 48th in the country.

As for the efficiency metrics, UCF is 39th in offensive efficiency (120.4) and 101st in defensive efficiency (105.4).

UCLA vs. UCF preview

I think the injuries UCLA is dealing with are important to note, but at the same time, it’s unclear which combination of Dent and Bilodeau will play. Even if they do, UCF has a trio of Themus Fulks, Jordan Burks, and Jamichael Stillwell. 

UCF’s defense isn’t as good as UCLA’s, but its offense should be able to keep pace with a beat-up UCLA lineup. 

I’ll take the points, and I’ll be watching for a potential upset.

UCLA vs. UCF tips

Find the latest odds for UCLA vs. UCF courtesy of FanDuel. Odds are subject to change.

Tyler Bilodeau 15+ Points

If Bilodeau is ready to suit up, I was tempted to go out to 20 points, but coming off the injury, I’ll stick to 15. He’s had 15 points or more in three of his last four games—I’m not counting the game against Michigan State because he only played 10 minutes before getting injured. 

In that run, that includes 32 points against Minnesota. 

UCF is 246th in 2-point defense (53.2%) and 186th in 3-point defense (34%). 

Bilodeau is shooting 46.4% from beyond the arc (he averages 4.5 3-point attempts per game) and 55.3% on 2-point buckets. 

I think, despite the injury, 15 points is doable.

Back Tyler Bilodeau to have 15+ points or more against UCF at -188 with FanDuel

Skyy Clark 2+ 3-Point Shots Made

Clark is a 43.2% 3-point shooter for UCLA, making 2.1 per game on 4.9 attempts. That said, he’s been hitting a bit of a snag, going for two 3-point shots in just two of his last three games. 

That said, as mentioned, UCF hasn’t been the best against 3-point baskets, and over their last three games, UCF is allowing opponents to shoot 36.2% from beyond the arc. 

I think Clark gets it going again; at least enough to hit 2 3-point shots.

Back Skyy Clark to have 2 3-point shots or more against UCF at -180 with FanDuel

Jamichael Stillwell Over 7.5 Rebounds

Stillwell is a fantastic rebounder. He’s averaging eight per game, and last season, he was up to 10.7 per outing. 

He’ll take on a UCLA squad that averages 32.2 rebounds per game, which is 296th in the country. 

No player on UCLA is averaging more than 5.8 rebounds per game. I expect Stillwell to continue crashing the boards and end the game with at least eight. 

Back Jamichael Stillwell to have eight rebounds or more against UCLA at -125 with BetMGM

UCLA vs. UCF injury report

Below are the key injuries to report ahead of this contest.

UCLA Bruins

• Out: N/A
• Questionable: Tyler Bilodeau (forward) – knee; Evan Manjikian (forward) – undisclosed
• Doubtful: N/A

UCF Knights

• Out: N/A
• Questionable: Tanner Jones (guard) – undisclosed
• Doubtful: N/A

UCLA Bruins vs. UCF Knights game info

• Date: Friday, March 20, 2026
• Time: 4:25 pm ET
• Venue: Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, PA
• Where to watch: TBS

About the author

Richard Janvrin

Richard Janvrin brings nearly a decade of experience covering sports, sports betting, and everything iGaming. Richard received his bachelor’s degree in Journalism/English from the University of New Hampshire. Throughout his career, Richard has written for sites like Bleacher Report, Forbes, The Game Day, WSN, Gambling.com, and many more.

Find him on Twitter: @RichardJanvrin

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