The UC Santa Barbara Gauchos (15-4, 4-1 BigWst) can prolong a 10-game home winning streak when they take on the UC Irvine Anteaters (17-5, 5-1 BigWst) at Thunderdome. The game starts at 11 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 31, 2019, and will air on ESPNU.
UC Irvine Anteaters vs. UC Santa Barbara Gauchos Betting Prediction
The last time the Anteaters played, they dismantled the UC Riverside Highlanders, 82-64. UC Irvine’s effective field goal percentage was their largest strength over UC Riverside. The Anteaters had a rate of 0.610 (above their season average of 0.492), while the Highlanders posted a mark of 0.449 (below their season average of 0.536). UC Irvine rallied around Jonathan Galloway, who contributed 11 points and 10 rebounds.
The Gauchos defeated the Long Beach State 49ers in their last game, 82-71. UC Santa Barbara’s 11.0 turnover percentage was their largest strength over Long Beach State, who had a mark of 14.4. The Gauchos’ mark was better than their season average of 14.0. Ar’mond Davis was UC Santa Barbara’s leading scorer with 24 points on 9-for-19 shooting from the field.
After the Anteaters won two out of three games against the Gauchos last season, these teams will clash for the first time this year. In the most recent contest, UC Irvine won 61-58. UC Irvine had a better effective field goal percentage (0.430 vs. 0.384). UC Santa Barbara, meanwhile, did an excellent job of making free throws (15-21; 71.4 percent).
Half-court execution will be critical when a pair of the nation’s slowest-paced teams clash. UC Santa Barbara ranks 338th in possessions per game (65.5) and UC Irvine is 290th (67.3).
UC Irvine vs. UC Santa Barbara Free Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – UC Irvine, ATS Winner – UC Irvine, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
UC Santa Barbara ranks 24th in rebounds allowed per game (31.3) while UC Irvine ranks 112th (34.1).
The Anteaters rank 42nd in three pointers allowed per game (19.6) while the Gauchos rank 118th (21.7).
UC Irvine ranks 50th in blocks per game (4.3) while UC Santa Barbara ranks 99th (3.5).
The Gauchos allow the second-fewest steals per game (3.9) while the Anteaters rank 41st (5.4).
UC Irvine is 12th in the NCAA with 10.0 assists allowed per game while UC Santa Barbara is 43rd with 11.3 assists allowed per game.
Bettings Trends:
The Anteaters’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 6.4, up from 5.9 for the season.
During their last five games, the Gauchos have scored an average of 69.6 points per game (6.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 66.0 points per game (1.3 above their season average).
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