The UC Riverside Highlanders (6-11, 0-1 BigWst) visit UC Santa Barbara to take on the Gauchos (12-3, 1-0 BigWst) in what should be a low-scoring game. The game is scheduled to get underway at 10 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 12, 2019.
UC Riverside Highlanders at UC Santa Barbara Gauchos Free Prediction
In the Highlanders’ last contest, they were topped by the CSUN Matadors, 84-83. One of CSUN’s largest strengths was getting to the free throw line. They had 28 free throw attempts, while UC Riverside had 16. Dikymbe Martin was UC Riverside’s high scorer with 25 points on 8-for-20 shooting.
The Gauchos defeated the Cal Poly Mustangs in their last matchup, 65-56. The Gauchos had a much better free throw rate (0.167 vs. 0.049) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (37.5 vs. 25.0). Devearl Ramsey was the game’s leading scorer with 19 points on 6-for-14 shooting from the field.
After the Gauchos won both contests against the Highlanders last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the most recent contest, UC Santa Barbara won 76-69. UC Santa Barbara had a much better free throw rate (0.254 vs. 0.119). UC Riverside, on the other hand, had a better effective field goal percentage (0.525 vs. 0.517).
Half-court execution will be of utmost importance when a pair of the NCAA’s slowest-paced teams face off. UC Santa Barbara currently ranks 337th in possessions per game (65.9) and UC Riverside is 343rd (65.2).
UC Riverside at UC Santa Barbara Odds Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – UC Santa Barbara, ATS Winner – UC Santa Barbara, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
UC Santa Barbara ranks 25th in rebounds per game (40.5) while UC Riverside ranks 242nd (31.6).
The Highlanders rank 84th in three pointers attempted per game (24.5) while the Gauchos rank 236th (18.5).
UC Riverside is second in the nation with 1.4 blocks allowed per game while UC Santa Barbara is 50th with 2.8 blocks allowed per game.
The Gauchos are second in the NCAA with 3.8 steals allowed per game while the Highlanders are 49th with 5.6 steals allowed per game.
UC Santa Barbara ranks 40th in assists allowed per game (11.0) while UC Riverside ranks 71st (11.9).
Bettings Trends:
The Highlanders’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 10.0, up from 0.6 for the season.
During their last five games, the Gauchos have scored an average of 81.0 points per game (4.1 above their season average) and allowed an average of 64.8 points per game (1.1 above their season average).
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