It will be a showdown between two stifling defenses when the UC Santa Barbara Gauchos (15-4, 4-1 BigWst) clash against the UC Irvine Anteaters (17-5, 5-1 BigWst) at Thunderdome. The game can be seen on ESPNU at 11 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 31, 2019.
UC Irvine Anteaters vs. UC Santa Barbara Gauchos Betting Odds
Both teams were victorious in their last game. The Gauchos were victorious over the Long Beach State 49ers 82-71, while the Anteaters dismantled the UC Riverside Highlanders 82-64.
The Anteaters, who came into the game averaging an effective field goal percentage of 0.492, had a phenomenal mark of 0.610 and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (34.5 vs. 28.2). Meanwhile, UC Santa Barbara’s turnover percentage was their biggest strength over Long Beach State. The Gauchos had a rate of 11.0 (better than their season average of 14.0), while the 49ers posted a mark of 14.4. UC Santa Barbara’s Ar’mond Davis had a good outing, contributing 24 points and 11 rebounds. UC Irvine, meanwhile, rallied around Jonathan Galloway, who finished with 11 points and 10 rebounds.
The Anteaters held the advantage in this series last year, winning two out of three contests. In the most recent matchup, UC Irvine won 61-58. UC Irvine’s effective field goal percentage was its largest advantage over UC Santa Barbara. The Anteaters had a rate of 0.430 while the Gauchos posted a mark of 0.384. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
Half-court execution will be at a premium when a pair of the nation’s slowest-paced teams face off. UC Santa Barbara ranks 338th in possessions per game (65.5) and UC Irvine is 290th (67.3).
UC Irvine at UC Santa Barbara Free Pick
Free Pick: SU Winner – UC Irvine, ATS Winner – UC Irvine, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- UC Santa Barbara ranks 24th in rebounds allowed per game (31.3) while UC Irvine ranks 112th (34.1).
- The Gauchos rank second in steals allowed per game (3.9) while the Anteaters rank 41st (5.4).
- UC Irvine is 12th in the nation with 10.0 assists allowed per game while UC Santa Barbara is 43rd with 11.3 assists allowed per game.
- The Anteaters rank 42nd in three pointers allowed per game (19.6) while the Gauchos rank 118th (21.7).
- UC Irvine ranks 50th in blocks per game (4.3) while UC Santa Barbara ranks 99th (3.5).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Anteaters have scored an average of 72.8 points per game (1.8 above their season average) and allowed an average of 66.4 points per game (1.3 above their season average).
- The Gauchos’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 3.6, down from 10.9 for the season.
