Belmont at UCLA

Belmont makes their first NCAA appearance here. They are the unknown of the two "Bruins" here and earned this appearance by winning the Atlantic Sun. They've won 12 of their last 13 games. But, as expected, they are getting no respect here against the #2 seed in the Oakland bracket. UCLA has had a great season behing their awesome defense. But, I think this is simply too many points. High-seeded favorites entering the tourney coming off 2+ ATS wins are just 24-60 (29%) over the past ten years as the spread gets inflated on such teams. Belmont will certainly struggle but I expect a back-door cover at a minimum as UCLA struggles to cover the very large number. Three stars on Belmont.