The UC Irvine Anteaters (11-4) welcome the UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros (8-7) to Bren Events Center. The Anteaters look to continue their six-game winning streak. Action begins at 10 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 3, 2019.
UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros vs. UC Irvine Anteaters ATS Odds
Both teams were triumphant in their last game. The Anteaters easily got past the Idaho Vandals 86-68, while the Vaqueros were victorious over the Texas A&M-Commerce Lions 91-84.
The Vaqueros had a much better turnover percentage (6.5 vs. 21.6) and had a better effective field goal percentage (0.479 vs. 0.462). The Anteaters, on the other hand, 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 a key piece for UC Irvine with 18 points and six assists. Terry Winn III, meanwhile led the way for UT Rio Grande Valley, finishing with 18 points and six rebounds.
The Vaqueros won the sole game between these two teams last season, 73-59. The Vaqueros’ turnover percentage was their largest advantage over the Anteaters. UT Rio Grande Valley had a rate of 10.9, while UC Irvine posted a mark of 29.0. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
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, while Winn III has put up 0 points a game during that span.
UC Irvine could dominate on the defensive side of the ball as they clash against one of the worst offenses in the NCAA. 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).
UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros vs. UC Irvine Anteaters ATS Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – UC Irvine, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- UC Irvine ranks 46th in rebounds per game (39.3) while UT Rio Grande Valley ranks 251st in rebounds allowed per game (41.3).
- 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).
- 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).
Bettings Trends:
- The Anteaters’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 14.8, up from 5.6 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Vaqueros have scored an average of 75.4 points per game (7.8 above their season average) and allowed an average of 74.0 points per game (4.5 above their season average).
