The UC Irvine Anteaters (11-4) will attempt to continue their six-game winning streak against the UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros (8-7) at Bren Events Center. The game gets underway at 10 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 3, 2019.
UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros vs. UC Irvine Anteaters Free Prediction
In the Vaqueros’ last matchup, they beat the Texas A&M-Commerce Lions, 91-84. UT Rio Grande Valley’s turnover percentage was their biggest strength over Texas A&M-Commerce. The Vaqueros had a rate of 6.5, while the Lions posted a mark of 21.6. UT Rio Grande Valley received a boost from Terry Winn III, who put up 18 points and six rebounds.
The Anteaters dismantled the Idaho Vandals in their last outing, 86-68. The Anteaters had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (48.4 vs. 18.2) and had a better effective field goal percentage (0.603 vs. 0.545). Eyassu Worku was the game’s top scorer with 18 points on 8-for-12 shooting from the field.
UC Irvine could dominate on the defensive side of the ball as they battle against one of the country’s worst offenses. The Anteaters rank 22nd in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.443), while UT Rio Grande Valley is 346th in effective field goal percentage (0.428).
Lesley Varner II and Winn III have played at a high level over the last five games for UT Rio Grande Valley. Varner II has averaged 0 points per game. Not to be outdone, Winn III has put up 0 points a game during that span.
After the Vaqueros won the sole game against the Anteaters last season, 73-59, these teams will meet for the first time this year. The Vaqueros’ 10.9 turnover percentage was their biggest strength over the Anteaters, who had a mark of 29.0.
UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros vs. UC Irvine Anteaters Betting Pick
Free Pick: SU Winner – UC Irvine, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
UC Irvine averages 39.3 rebounds per game, which ranks 46th in the NCAA. UT Rio Grande Valley ranks 251st in rebounds allowed per game (41.3).
The Anteaters rank 36th in steals allowed per game (5.3) while the Vaqueros rank 134th (6.9).
UC Irvine ranks 15th in assists allowed per game (9.9) while UT Rio Grande Valley ranks 109th (13.1).
The Anteaters rank 48th in blocks per game (4.3) while the Vaqueros rank 121st in blocks allowed per game (3.8).
UT Rio Grande Valley ranks sixth in three pointers allowed per game (17.5) while UC Irvine ranks 57th (20.3).
Bettings Trends:
The Vaqueros have outscored opponents by an average of 1.4 points in their last five games. For the season, UT Rio Grande Valley has lost by an average of 1.9 points.
During their last five games, the Anteaters have scored an average of 74.6 points per game (5.2 above their season average) and allowed an average of 59.8 points per game (4.0 below their season average).
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