The Valparaiso Crusaders (4-3) clash against the UC Riverside Highlanders (2-6) at the Athletics-Recreation Center. The game is scheduled to get underway at 2 p.m. ET on Sunday, December 2, 2018.
UC Riverside Highlanders at Valparaiso Crusaders Free Prediction
The last time the Highlanders played, they were topped by the California Baptist Lancers, 80-70. California Baptist’s offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest advantage over UC Riverside. The Lancers had a rate of 26.9 (below their season average of 28.1), while the Highlanders posted a mark of 11.8 (below their season average of 24.7). UC Riverside’s Dikymbe Martin played well, finishing with 18 points and six rebounds.
The Crusaders beat the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels in their last game, 72-64. Converting at the free throw line was one of Valparaiso’s largest strengths. They were 15-18 (83.3 percent), while the Runnin’ Rebels were just 7-9 (77.8 percent). Derrik Smits was the game’s leading scorer with 20 points on 8-for-16 shooting from the field.
Valparaiso could have their way on defense as they clash against one of the NCAA’s worst offenses. The Crusaders rank 46th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.476), while UC Riverside is 337th in effective field goal percentage (0.462) since the 2017-18 season.
The Highlanders won the only game against the Crusaders last season, 73-60. Getting to the charity stripe was one of UC Riverside’s largest advantages. They made 42 trips to the line, while Valparaiso went just 19 times.
UC Riverside Highlanders at Valparaiso Crusaders Odds Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Valparaiso, ATS Winner – UC Riverside, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
Valparaiso ranks 129th in rebounds allowed per game (34.2) while UC Riverside ranks 280th (37.6).
The Crusaders rank 56th in steals per game (7.3) while the Highlanders rank 204th in steals allowed per game (6.6).
Valparaiso ranks 30th in three pointers allowed per game (19.2) while UC Riverside ranks 156th (21.7).
The Crusaders rank 192nd in assists per game (13.2) while the Highlanders rank 269th (12.0).
Valparaiso ranks 37th in blocks allowed per game (2.6) while UC Riverside ranks 98th (3.1).
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