The Idaho Vandals (1-3) square off against the UC Santa Barbara Gauchos (4-1) at CenturyLink Arena. The game begins at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, November 24, 2018.
UC Santa Barbara Gauchos vs. Idaho Vandals Free Prediction
In the Gauchos’ last game, they beat the Portland State Vikings, 76-69. The Gauchos had a ridiculous free throw rate of 0.500 (above their season average of 0.240) and held the Vikings to an effective field goal percentage of 0.379 (below their season average of 0.484). UC Santa Barbara was lifted by Ar’mond Davis, who was the game’s high scorer with 20 points on 7-for-14 shooting.
The Vandals were beaten by the Northwest Nazarene Crusaders in their last game, 77-73. Northwest Nazarene’s rebounding was their largest advantage. The Crusaders had 12 offensive rebounds and 39 total rebounds, while the Vandals had seven and 32, respectively. With 24 points on 10-for-18 shooting, Trevon Allen was the game’s high scorer.
The Gauchos are 27-10 straight up (SU) since last season, but have struggled covering the spread (11-15-1 against the spread (ATS)). Vegas has had a tendency to place the total high when UC Santa Barbara is involved since last season as 70.4 percent of their games have finished under the projected point total.
On the other hand, the Vandals, have records of 23-12 SU and 16-16 ATS since last season. Over that same period, Idaho’s games have finished over the O/U total 56.3 percent of the time.
Half-court execution will be at a premium when a pair of the country’s slowest-paced teams clash. Idaho ranks 259th in possessions per game (68.2) and UC Santa Barbara is 282nd (67.7) since last season. The Gauchos should be expected to protect the ball well. They rank 24th at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 15.9 percent). Conversely, the Vandals have forced the 32nd-fewest turnovers in the country (opponents’ turnover percentage of 16.3 percent).
UC Santa Barbara Gauchos vs. Idaho Vandals Odds Pick
Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – UC Santa Barbara, ATS Winner – Idaho, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
UC Santa Barbara ranks 97th in blocks per game (3.8) while Idaho ranks 236th (2.6).
The Gauchos rank 138th in three pointers allowed per game (21.4) while the Vandals rank 276th (24.2).
Idaho averages 14.9 assists per game, which ranks 78th in the nation. UC Santa Barbara ranks 164th in assists allowed per game (13.4).
The Gauchos rank first in steals allowed per game (3.6) while the Vandals rank 83rd (5.7).
Idaho ranks 16th in rebounds allowed per game (31.0) while UC Santa Barbara ranks 88th (33.5).
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