The Cal Poly Mustangs (4-13, 1-2 BigWst) travel to Student Recreation Center to square off with the UC Riverside Highlanders (12-8, 2-2 BigWst). The Mustangs can end a nine-game road losing streak. Action begins at 10 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 23, 2020.
Cal Poly Mustangs vs. UC Riverside Highlanders Betting Odds
Both teams lost in their last matchup. The Highlanders fell to the UC Irvine Anteaters, 69-53, while the Mustangs were defeated by the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors, 65-61.
Cal Poly was lights out from beyond the arc (8-20; 40.0 percent) while UC Riverside held UC Irvine to an offensive rebounding percentage of 16.0 (below their season average of 35.3). Dikymbe Martin fueled UC Riverside with 10 points. Cal Poly was led by Colby Rogers, who finished with 18 points.
This was a highly competitive series last year, as the teams split their two games last season. In the last contest, the Mustangs won 71-45. Cal Poly launched 22 three pointers, making 12 of them (54.5 percent), while UC Riverside was just 2-15 (13.3 percent). This will be the first game of the year between these two teams.
From an effective field goal percentage perspective, UC Riverside figures to have a substantial edge. The Highlanders defense ranks 82nd in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.463), while the Cal Poly offense is ranked 280th in effective field goal percentage (0.476). Moreover, the Mustangs, who rank 317th in offensive rebounding percentage (22.8 percent), might struggle to get put-back points against the Highlanders, who rank fifth in defensive rebounding percentage (79.4 percent).
Cal Poly Mustangs vs. UC Riverside Highlanders Pick
Free Prediction: SU Winner – UC Riverside, ATS Winner – UC Riverside, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- UC Riverside ranks 96th in rebounds per game (37.3) while Cal Poly ranks 266th (31.9).
- The Highlanders are 43rd in the NCAA with 2.7 blocks allowed per game while the Mustangs are 44th with 2.7 blocks allowed per game.
- The Highlanders rank 103rd in three pointers attempted per game (23.4) while the Mustangs rank 241st (18.4).
- UC Riverside ranks 39th in assists allowed per game (10.6) while Cal Poly ranks 155th (13.3).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Mustangs have scored an average of 64.4 points per game (1.3 above their season average) and allowed an average of 67.8 points per game (3.1 below their season average).
- The Highlanders’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 4.4, up from 4.2 for the season.