The undefeated UC Irvine Anteaters (3-0) try to continue their impressive start when they meet the winless Santa Clara Broncos (0-4) at Bren Events Center. Action starts at 10:00 pm ET on Monday, Nov. 23.
The Anteaters won a close one over UCF 61-60 in their last matchup. Luke Nelson was the game’s leading scorer with 22 points on 9-for-21 shooting. The Broncos are coming off a 77-63 loss to UC Riverside in their last game. Santa Clara lost despite the best efforts of Nate Kratch, who recorded his first double-double of the season with 22 points and 12 rebounds.
UC Irvine is a considerable 13-point favorite in this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is sitting at 127 points. The Anteaters come into this game 3-0 Straight Up (SU) and 1-1 Against The Spread (ATS). UC Irvine is one of the most disciplined teams in the nation with an assist-to-turnover ratio of 1.62. Crossing over to the defensive side of the court, opposing offenses have been stifled by the Anteaters, allowing a field goal percentage of only .335.
Across the court, the Broncos have shown some flaws to start the season and are 0-4 SU and 0-4 ATS.
This game will be the first meeting for UC Irvine and Santa Clara in recent seasons.
Predictions: SU Winner – UC-Irv, ATS Winner – UC-Irv, O/U – Over
Notes
UC Irvine is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games.
UC Irvine is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home.
Santa Clara scores an average of just 56.0 points per game (ranked 343rd). UC Irvine ranks 52nd in points allowed, giving up 62.0 points per game.
The UC Irvine Anteaters average 69.1 possessions and 1.095 points per possession in games this season. The Santa Clara Broncos average fewer possessions with 66.8, as well as fewer points per possession with .838.
The Santa Clara Broncos average an effective field goal percentage of 42.0% this season. The UC Irvine Anteaters are a perfect 1-0 in games where opponents have an eFG% of 42.0% or greater.
UC Irvine ranks 34th in the nation with an assist-to-turnover ratio of 1.62. Santa Clara is ranked lower at 266th with an A/TO of .84.
Santa Clara makes 4.2 steals per game. In games where it allows 4 or more steals, UC Irvine is undefeated at 2-0.
