The Rice Owls (4-6) take on the UC Santa Barbara Gauchos (7-2) at Tudor Fieldhouse. The game starts at 3 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 15, 2018.
UC Santa Barbara Gauchos vs. Rice Owls Free Prediction
In the Gauchos’ last game, they beat the Wyoming Cowboys, 76-66. The Gauchos had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.585 vs. 0.405) and had a much better free throw rate (0.447 vs. 0.328). UC Santa Barbara rallied around Jaquori McLaughlin, who was the team’s high scorer with 17 points on 5-for-13 shooting.
The Owls were victorious over the St. Leo Lions in their last matchup, 80-64. The Owls had a much better free throw rate (0.379 vs. 0.196) and had a much better turnover percentage (14.4 vs. 25.9). With 13 points and 10 rebounds, Jack Williams played well for Rice.
Williams has averaged 0 points over the last five games for Rice.
The ineffective offense of Rice will go head-to-head against the elite defense of UC Santa Barbara. Since last season, the Owls rank 307th in offensive efficiency, while the Gauchos are 24th in defensive efficiency. The Gauchos should have the edge on that end of the court.
UC Santa Barbara at Rice Betting Pick
Basketball Tip: SU Winner – Rice, ATS Winner – UC Santa Barbara, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
Rice ranks 40th in three pointers attempted per game (26.2) while UC Santa Barbara ranks 282nd (20.0).
The Gauchos rank 15th in assists allowed per game (13.0) while the Owls rank 244th (16.3).
UC Santa Barbara ranks 17th in rebounds allowed per game (33.0) while Rice ranks 221st (37.2).
The Gauchos rank 19th in steals allowed per game (3.9) while the Owls rank 159th (6.8).
UC Santa Barbara ranks 46th in blocks per game (3.8) while Rice ranks 181st (2.4).
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