Don’t expect a high-scoring game when the San Diego Toreros (8-15) head to Santa Clara to play the Broncos (8-16). The game starts at 10:00 pm ET on Thursday, Feb. 11.
The Broncos are hoping for a better outcome after their 89-86 loss to San Francisco in their last matchup. Matt Hubbard had a good game for Santa Clara, finishing with 16 points, five rebounds, and one steal. The Toreros, meanwhile, are coming off a 60-43 loss to Saint Mary’s in their last outing. Jito Kok had a good shooting night, leading the team with 11 points.
Half-court execution will be at a premium as Santa Clara ranks 279th in the nation in possessions per game (67.2 possessions per game), while San Diego is 336th (65.1).
This will be the second matchup of the season between these two teams. The Broncos won the first game 65-53. Brett Bailey had a standout performance with 22 points, eight rebounds, two assists, one steal, one block, and one three-pointer in the loss.
The Broncos look to improve upon their records of 8-16 Straight Up (SU) and 12-11-1 Against The Spread (ATS). The Broncos have seen a decline in scoring as of late, averaging 61.2 points during the last 10 games compared to their season average of 67.3 points per game.
On the other side, the Toreros have 8-15 SU and 10-12 ATS records. San Diego performed well ATS during its last 10 games, earning a 7-3 record. The Toreros have shown improvement on the offensive end over the most recent 10 game stretch. Over that span, San Diego is averaging 71.9 PPG, significantly more than their season average of 60.6. The Toreros average 67.4 points allowed per game, but have damaged those numbers in the past 10 games, allowing 77.3 points per game during that span. The Toreros allow very few three-pointers on defense with 5.0 given up per game.
In their previous meeting this season, Santa Clara beat San Diego, bringing its SU record to 6-4 over San Diego in their most recent games. Additionally, with a 6-4 record, Santa Clara has the advantage ATS. Santa Clara held the edge in field goals, rebounds, and three-pointers twice in the last five games, while San Diego wasn’t able to do so in that span.
Predictions: SU Winner – SD, ATS Winner – SD
Notes
Santa Clara averages 67.3 points per game, placing the team just 221st in the nation. San Diego ranks 64th in points allowed, giving up 67.4 points per game.
The Santa Clara Broncos average a field goal percentage of 41.5% this season. The San Diego Toreros have a subpar record of 2-13 when opponents have a FG% of 41.5% or greater.
Santa Clara attempts an average of 21.0 three pointers per game and San Diego attempts 22.0. In games where they have 20 or more three point attempts, the Santa Clara Broncos have a subpar 5-12 record while the San Diego Toreros have a 6-9 record.
Santa Clara averages a forced turnover rate of 17.7% this season. San Diego has a 7-9 record when it suffers a turnover rate equal to or exceeding this.
