The UC Santa Barbara Gauchos (11-3) will attempt to prolong their eight-game home winning streak when they go head-to-head with the Cal Poly Mustangs (4-9), who look to put an end to their seven-game road losing streak. The game gets underway at 10 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 9, 2019.
Cal Poly Mustangs vs. UC Santa Barbara Gauchos Betting Prediction
The Mustangs come in on a high note after beating the Menlo Oaks in their last game, 82-75. The Mustangs had a much better free throw rate (0.420 vs. 0.153) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (35.7 vs. 20.0). Cal Poly was led by Kuba Niziol, who contributed 12 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists.
In the Gauchos’ previous matchup, they were victorious over the Wyoming Cowboys, 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 was UC Santa Barbara’s high scorer with 17 points on 5-for-13 shooting from the field.
After the Gauchos won two out of three games against the Mustangs last season, these teams will clash for the first time this year. In the last matchup, UC Santa Barbara won 75-53. UC Santa Barbara had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (39.4 vs. 18.9). Cal Poly, meanwhile, did a terrific job of making free throws (22-24; 91.7 percent).
The high-octane offense of UC Santa Barbara will square off against the porous defense of Cal Poly. The Gauchos currently rank 45th in offensive efficiency, while the Mustangs are 302nd in defensive efficiency. The Gauchos should have the edge on that side of the ball.
Cal Poly Mustangs vs. UC Santa Barbara Gauchos Free Pick
College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – UC Santa Barbara, ATS Winner – Cal Poly, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
UC Santa Barbara ranks 85th in rebounds per game (40.1) while Cal Poly ranks 228th (33.7).
The Gauchos rank 70th in assists per game (15.4) while the Mustangs rank 179th in assists allowed per game (14.9).
UC Santa Barbara ranks second in steals allowed per game (3.9) while Cal Poly ranks 71st (6.4).
The Gauchos rank 34th in blocks allowed per game (2.6) while the Mustangs rank 93rd (2.9).
Bettings Trends:
The Mustangs’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 9.0, up from 5.4 for the season.
During their last five games, the Gauchos have scored an average of 78.2 points per game (0.4 above their season average) and allowed an average of 63.6 points per game (0.7 below their season average).
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