The UC Santa Barbara Gauchos (19-8, 8-5 BigWst) wrap up their home schedule at Thunderdome against the Long Beach State 49ers (11-18, 5-8 BigWst). The game is scheduled to start at 10 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 28, 2019.
Long Beach State 49ers at UC Santa Barbara Gauchos Betting Odds
Both teams were victorious over their last opponent. The Gauchos defeated the Cal State Fullerton Titans 82-67, while the 49ers beat the UC Riverside Highlanders 71-67.
Long Beach State dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had a free throw rate of 0.269 (matching their season average) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 35.6 (above their season average of 29.8). For those same stats, UC Riverside was 0.015 and 25.6, respectively. The Gauchos, on the other hand, held the Titans to an offensive rebounding percentage of 14.7 (below their season average of 25.1) and had a free throw rate of 0.370 (above their season average of 0.271). Devearl Ramsey played well for UC Santa Barbara, putting up 13 points and six rebounds. Long Beach State, meanwhile, received a boost from Jordan Roberts, who put up 18 points and seven rebounds.
In their first matchup this year, Ar’mond Davis led the Gauchos to an 82-71 victory. He registered a double-double with 24 points and 11 rebounds. UC Santa Barbara had a better turnover percentage (11.0 vs. 14.4). Long Beach State, meanwhile, had a much better free throw rate (0.339 vs. 0.222).
UC Santa Barbara could dominate on the defensive side of the ball as they go head-to-head against one of the nation’s worst offenses. The Gauchos currently rank 50th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.476), while Long Beach State is 298th in effective field goal percentage (0.482). This contest should be a battle of conflicting paces. The up-tempo 49ers rank 19th in possessions per game, while the slower-paced Gauchos rank 332nd.
Long Beach State at UC Santa Barbara Betting Pick
Free College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – UC Santa Barbara, ATS Winner – UC Santa Barbara, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- UC Santa Barbara ranks 16th in rebounds allowed per game (31.0) while Long Beach State ranks 281st (39.4).
- The Gauchos rank 43rd in blocks allowed per game (2.7) while the 49ers rank 115th (3.4).
- Long Beach State ranks 265th in three pointers attempted per game (18.9) while UC Santa Barbara ranks 273rd (18.8).
- The Gauchos rank third in steals allowed per game (4.2) while the 49ers rank 216th (8.2).
- UC Santa Barbara averages 14.0 assists per game, which ranks 109th in the NCAA. Long Beach State ranks 184th in assists allowed per game (13.9).
Bettings Trends:
- The 49ers have outscored opponents by an average of 1.4 points in their last five games. For the season, Long Beach State has been defeated by an average of 2.1 points.
- During their last five games, the Gauchos have scored an average of 69.0 points per game (4.7 below their season average) and allowed an average of 68.6 points per game (3.5 above their season average).
