Don’t expect a fast-paced game when the Merrimack Warriors (6-5), 11-point underdogs, visit UC Santa Barbara to take on the Gauchos (8-4). The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 125 points and it begins at 5 p.m. ET on Sunday, December 22, 2019.
Merrimack Warriors vs. UC Santa Barbara Gauchos Betting Odds
Both teams beat their last opponent. The Gauchos defeated the Southern University Jaguars 77-68, while the Warriors beat the Army West Point Black Knights 69-60.
The Warriors forced 16 turnovers and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.518 (above their season average of 0.470). UC Santa Barbara, meanwhile, dominated every facet of their game. They had an extraordinary free throw rate of 0.373 (above their season average of 0.264) and a turnover percentage of 12.8 (better than their season average of 15.6). For those same stats, Southern University put up marks of 0.185 and 15.7, respectively. UC Santa Barbara received a boost from Amadou Sow, who finished with 23 points and six rebounds. Juvaris Hayes, meanwhile was a key piece for Merrimack with 14 points, eight assists and six rebounds.
Warriors games tend to go under the O/U total (70.0 percent). Merrimack comes into the game with records of 6-5 straight up (SU) and 5-5 against the spread (ATS).
Contrary to Merrimack, games including the Gauchos tend to go over the projected point total (72.7 percent). Further, UC Santa Barbara owns records of 8-4 SU and 5-5-1 ATS.
Half-court execution will be of utmost importance when a pair of the country’s slowest-paced teams clash. UC Santa Barbara currently ranks 334th in possessions per game (64.6) and Merrimack is 326th (65.4). Moreover, the Warriors rank 43rd in turnover percentage (17.0 percent), while the Gauchos rank 288th in opponents’ turnover percentage (18.0 percent).
Merrimack Warriors vs. UC Santa Barbara Gauchos Betting Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – UC Santa Barbara, ATS Winner – UC Santa Barbara, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- UC Santa Barbara ranks 16th in rebounds allowed per game (30.0) while Merrimack ranks 231st (38.6).
- The Gauchos average 13.4 assists per game, which ranks 118th in the NCAA. The Warriors rank 179th in assists allowed per game (14.2).
- UC Santa Barbara ranks 40th in blocks allowed per game (2.6) while Merrimack ranks 99th (3.5).
- The Warriors rank sixth in steals per game (10.5) while the Gauchos rank 205th (4.3).
- Merrimack ranks 37th in three pointers attempted per game (26.9) while UC Santa Barbara ranks 192nd (20.0).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Warriors have scored an average of 68.6 points per game (5.5 above their season average) and allowed an average of 56.0 points per game (5.4 below their season average).
- The Gauchos’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 4.4, down from 4.5 for the season.
