The UC Santa Barbara Gauchos (8-3) welcome the Idaho State Bengals (4-4) to Thunderdome as they look to extend their five-game home winning streak. The game is scheduled to start at 5 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 22, 2018.
Idaho State Bengals at UC Santa Barbara Gauchos ATS Prediction
In the Bengals’ last matchup, they were blown out by the No. 3 Gonzaga Bulldogs, 120-79. Gonzaga was effective at getting and making free throws. The Bulldogs made 30 of their 37 free throws (81.1 percent), while the Bengals were just 9-13 (69.2 percent). Brandon Boyd was Idaho State’s leading scorer with 15 points on 6-for-13 shooting.
The Gauchos defeated the Wyoming Cowboys in their last matchup, 76-66. The Gauchos had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.585 vs. 0.405) and had a much better free throw rate (0.447 vs. 0.328). Jaquori McLaughlin led UC Santa Barbara in scoring with 17 points on 5-for-13 shooting from the field.
UC Santa Barbara should have the advantage on the offensive side of the ball. The Gauchos rank 64th in offensive efficiency, while the Bengals rank 297th in defensive efficiency dating back to the 2017-18 season.
Idaho State Bengals at UC Santa Barbara Gauchos ATS Pick
Basketball Pick: SU Winner – UC Santa Barbara, ATS Winner – UC Santa Barbara, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
Idaho State ranks 141st in three pointers attempted per game (22.2) while UC Santa Barbara ranks 241st (20.3).
The Gauchos rank 24th in rebounds allowed per game (33.0) while the Bengals rank 123rd (34.8).
UC Santa Barbara ranks 44th in assists allowed per game (13.2) while Idaho State ranks 107th (12.8).
The Gauchos are 15th in the nation with 3.9 steals allowed per game while the Bengals are 55th with 5.7 steals allowed per game.
UC Santa Barbara is 28th in the country with 2.5 blocks allowed per game while Idaho State is 51st with 2.9 blocks allowed per game.
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