Arizona Wildcats vs UCLA Bruins Picks and Predictions for Monday, November 2, 2026

It's a familiar matchup with some unfamiliar faces when Arizona and UCLA open their basketball seasons Monday. Arizona begins at No. 5 in the AP poll after finishing 36-3 and reaching the Final Four last spring. UCLA is ranked No. 22, coming off a 24-12 season that ended against UConn in the NCAA Tournament's second round. The Wildcats won the Big 12 regular-season and tournament championships, while the Bruins finished sixth in the Big Ten at 13-7. Both teams have lost important players since March. They'll meet at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas at 10:00 pm ET on TNT. Check our free college basketball picks for more opening-week games.

Arizona Wildcats Have a New Look After Final Four Run

Arizona came within two wins of a national championship last season. Michigan put an end to that dream with a 91-73 victory in the Final Four, but the Wildcats had plenty to celebrate before that defeat. They won 36 games, finished 16-2 in the Big 12 and took home the conference tournament trophy. Now Tommy Lloyd has to figure out how to replace some of the players who made that possible. Jaden Bradley is gone, along with Brayden Burries and Koa Peat. That's a lot of offense for one team to lose over the summer.

Motiejus Krivas is one player Lloyd won't have to replace. The 7-footer averaged 10.4 points and 8.2 rebounds last season, and his work around the basket earned him preseason Big 12 Player of the Year honors. Ivan Kharchenkov is also back after scoring 10.4 points per game and making 53 steals. Arizona's new guards will be worth watching Monday. Caleb Holt arrives as a highly regarded freshman, while Derek Dixon and JJ Mandaquit join from North Carolina and Washington. There's talent in that group, but replacing Bradley's leadership will take more than one game.

UCLA Bruins Have Some Familiar Faces in New Roles

March ended with a frustrating afternoon for Mick Cronin's team. UCLA had squeezed past UCF 75-71 in the NCAA Tournament opener, but UConn was a different proposition. The Huskies won 73-57, sending the Bruins home with a 24-12 record. UCLA had managed 13 wins in Big Ten play, good for sixth place, yet the offense struggled when it mattered most. That becomes an even bigger concern this season. Tyler Bilodeau, last year's leading scorer, is off to the NBA, and Donovan Dent has transferred to LSU. The Bruins must replace their leading scorer and the guard who created so many of their chances.

Trent Perry has an opportunity to take on a bigger role after averaging 12.6 points last year. Eric Dailey Jr. is another returning starter, bringing 11.6 points and 5.8 rebounds per game. Xavier Booker gives UCLA some size inside after blocking 43 shots last season. The Bruins have also added Jaylen Petty from Texas Tech, where he averaged 9.9 points. Petty should help on the perimeter, but Perry will have plenty of responsibility directing the offense. Monday's game against Arizona will be a demanding introduction to those new assignments.

Key To The Game

Arizona's size could cause problems for UCLA around the basket. Krivas is an experienced rebounder and shot blocker, while Kharchenkov gives the Wildcats another capable defender. UCLA has Booker to challenge shots inside, but the Bruins also need Dailey to compete on the glass. The backcourt battle is less predictable. Arizona is introducing new guards, and UCLA must adjust to losing Dent. Turnovers could become a problem for either team. Perry's ability to organize the Bruins will be important, especially if Arizona applies pressure and forces hurried possessions.

Arizona Wildcats vs UCLA Bruins Game Pick

• Arizona Wildcats -5.5

Arizona lost several outstanding players, but Krivas and Kharchenkov give Lloyd a dependable starting point. Holt also arrives with considerable expectations, and Dixon should help the Wildcats manage their backcourt changes. UCLA has experienced forwards and a capable guard in Perry, although losing Bilodeau and Dent leaves major questions about scoring. Arizona won last year's meeting by four points, and another competitive contest seems likely. I expect Krivas to make a difference around the basket, particularly on rebounds and second chances. I'm taking Arizona to win.

Arizona Wildcats vs UCLA Bruins Over/Under Pick

• Under 150.5

Both teams have spent the offseason replacing important offensive contributors. Arizona lost Bradley, Burries and Peat, while UCLA must find new scoring without Bilodeau and Dent. Those departures could affect how smoothly each offense operates in its first regular-season game. Krivas and Booker also give their teams defensive presence around the basket. There's enough talent for both clubs to score, but unfamiliar lineups can take time to develop. I expect a competitive opening night with some difficult possessions and missed opportunities. Under is my pick.