UC Santa Barbara Gauchos at UC Riverside Highlanders ATS Prediction 02/14/19

Posts AdminCollege Basketball

Don’t expect a fast-paced game when the UC Santa Barbara Gauchos (17-6, 6-3 BigWst) visit UC Riverside to take on the Highlanders (8-17, 2-7 BigWst). Action starts at 10 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 14, 2019.

UC Santa Barbara Gauchos at UC Riverside Highlanders Betting Odds

Both teams were beaten in their last contest. The Highlanders got blown out by the Cal State Fullerton Titans, 77-54, while the Gauchos lost to the UC Davis Aggies, 61-57.

UC Santa Barbara held UC Davis to an offensive rebounding percentage of 17.2 (below their season average of 23.0) while UC Riverside had an offensive rebounding percentage of 35.6 (above their season average of 27.8). Zac Watson played a key role for UC Riverside with 13 points and seven rebounds. Meanwhile, UC Santa Barbara was lifted by Max Heidegger, who had 11 points and five assists.

In their first matchup this season, Amadou Sow led the Gauchos to a 72-64 win. He was the game’s leading scorer with 22 points. UC Santa Barbara’s free throw rate was their largest strength over UC Riverside. The Gauchos had a rate of 0.255, while the Highlanders posted a mark of 0.052.

Half-court execution will be at a premium when two of the nation’s slowest-paced teams clash. UC Riverside currently ranks 345th in possessions per game (63.9) and UC Santa Barbara is 336th (65.1). Furthermore, the Gauchos rank 29th in offensive efficiency (113.6), while the Highlanders rank 297th in defensive efficiency (107.9).

UC Santa Barbara Gauchos vs. UC Riverside Highlanders Pick

Pick: SU Winner – UC Riverside, ATS Winner – UC Riverside, O/U – Under

Betting Notes:

  • UC Santa Barbara ranks 33rd in rebounds per game (39.0) while UC Riverside ranks 258th (32.0).
  • The Highlanders lead the NCAA with 1.9 blocks allowed per game while the Gauchos are 39th with 2.7 blocks allowed per game.
  • UC Santa Barbara allows the second-fewest steals per game (4.0) while UC Riverside ranks 38th (5.4).
  • The Highlanders rank 130th in three pointers attempted per game (23.1) while the Gauchos rank 265th (18.7).
  • UC Santa Barbara ranks 43rd in assists allowed per game (11.3) while UC Riverside ranks 153rd (13.6).

Bettings Trends:

  • During their last five games, the Highlanders have scored an average of 61.6 points per game (5.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 73.0 points per game (4.1 above their season average).
  • The Gauchos’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 6.0, down from 9.8 for the season.