The Grand Canyon Antelopes (4-1) go head-to-head with the UC Riverside Highlanders (2-4) at Grand Canyon University Arena. The game starts at 9 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 2, 2017, and will air on ESPN 3.
UC Riverside Highlanders at Grand Canyon Antelopes ATS Prediction
The last time the Highlanders played, they were topped by the Pacific Tigers, 57-55. Pacific’s effective field goal percentage was their largest advantage over UC Riverside. The Tigers had a rate of 0.462 (below their season average of 0.509), while the Highlanders posted a mark of 0.385 (below their season average of 0.439). Dikymbe Martin was the top scorer from either team with 17 points on 8-for-20 shooting.
The Antelopes were beaten by the San Diego Toreros in their last matchup, 72-62. San Diego’s effective field goal percentage was their biggest strength over Grand Canyon. The Toreros had a rate of 0.534 (below their season average of 0.543), while the Antelopes posted a mark of 0.404 (below their season average of 0.569). Grand Canyon’s Casey Benson recorded eight points, 10 rebounds and six assists in the contest.
From an effective field goal percentage perspective, Grand Canyon figures to have a significant advantage. Since the 2016-17 season, the Antelopes defense ranks 45th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.470), while the UC Riverside offense ranks 337th in effective field goal percentage (0.457). Ball protection could be troublesome for the Highlanders. They rank 295th at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 20.5 percent), while the Antelopes have forced the 36th-most turnovers in the NCAA (opponents’ turnover percentage of 21.6 percent).
The Highlanders won the only game against the Antelopes last season, 76-56. UC Riverside made seven of their 15 three pointers (46.7 percent), while Grand Canyon was just 3-23 (13.0 percent).
UC Riverside Highlanders at Grand Canyon Antelopes Odds Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Grand Canyon, ATS Winner – Grand Canyon, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
Grand Canyon averages 37.5 rebounds per game, which ranks 85th in the nation. UC Riverside ranks 273rd in rebounds allowed per game (37.6).
The Antelopes rank 78th in three pointers allowed per game (19.8) while the Highlanders rank 237th (22.7).
Grand Canyon ranks 145th in assists per game (14.0) while UC Riverside ranks 282nd (11.5).
The Highlanders average 6.7 steals per game, which ranks 102nd in the NCAA. The Antelopes rank 220th in steals allowed per game (6.8).
