The UC Santa Barbara Gauchos (13-3, 2-0 BigWst) will attempt to extend their five-game winning streak against the UC Davis Aggies (4-12, 0-2 BigWst) at The Pavilion. The game gets underway at 10 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 17, 2019.
UC Santa Barbara Gauchos vs. UC Davis Aggies Free Prediction
In the Gauchos’ last game, they topped the UC Riverside Highlanders, 72-64. The Gauchos knocked down 14 of their 19 free throws (73.7 percent) and had a turnover percentage of 8.7 (better than their season average of 14.3). UC Santa Barbara was led by Amadou Sow, who was the game’s high scorer with 22 points on 10-for-18 shooting.
The Aggies fell to the Long Beach State 49ers in their last contest, 82-77. One of Long Beach State’s biggest strengths was getting to the free throw line. They had 42 free throw attempts, while UC Davis had just 14. UC Davis’ Joe Mooney had a solid game, leading the team in scoring with 29 points on 10-for-15 shooting.
Half-court execution will be critical when two of the nation’s slowest-paced teams face off. UC Davis ranks 264th in possessions per game (68.2) and UC Santa Barbara is 337th (65.7). Moreover, the defense of the Gauchos figures to have an edge in terms of effective field goal percentage. They rank 24th in the country with an opponents’ effective field goal percentage of 0.452, while the offense of the Aggies ranks 274th in effective field goal percentage (0.487).
After splitting two games last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the last contest, the Aggies won 71-54. UC Davis had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.627 vs. 0.386). UC Santa Barbara, meanwhile, did a great job of converting from the free throw line (10-14; 71.4 percent).
UC Santa Barbara Gauchos vs. UC Davis Aggies Odds Pick
Basketball Pick: SU Winner – UC Santa Barbara, ATS Winner – UC Santa Barbara, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
UC Santa Barbara ranks 38th in rebounds per game (39.6) while UC Davis ranks 252nd (31.2).
The Gauchos rank second in steals allowed per game (3.6) while the Aggies rank 146th (7.2).
UC Davis ranks 177th in three pointers attempted per game (21.3) while UC Santa Barbara ranks 257th (18.2).
The Gauchos rank 45th in assists allowed per game (11.3) while the Aggies rank 111th (13.0).
UC Santa Barbara and UC Davis average 2.8 blocks allowed per game, which ranks 50th in the NCAA.
Bettings Trends:
The Gauchos’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 20.0, up from 12.9 for the season.
During their last five games, the Aggies have scored an average of 70.0 points per game (5.9 above their season average) and allowed an average of 72.6 points per game (2.9 above their season average).
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