The Portland State Vikings (3-3) will travel to the Thunderdome to take on the UC Santa Barbara Gauchos (2-3). The Gauchos opened as 8-point favorites. The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 152 points and action begins at 10 p.m. ET on Wednesday, November 27, 2019.
Portland State Vikings vs. UC Santa Barbara Gauchos Betting Odds
Both teams were victorious in their last game. The Gauchos dismantled the Menlo Oaks 88-69, while the Vikings beat the Grambling State Tigers 84-74.
Portland State dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had a solid free throw rate of 0.269 (above their season average of 0.267) and a turnover percentage of 12.7 (better than their season average of 13.8). Grambling State had marks of 0.117 and 22.9, respectively, for those same stats. The Gauchos, meanwhile, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (57.7 vs. 14.3) and had a much better free throw rate (0.357 vs. 0.111). Amadou Sow fueled UC Santa Barbara with 25 points and 10 rebounds. Alonzo Walker, meanwhile had a solid performance for Portland State, recording 15 points and 10 rebounds.
The Gauchos won the only game between these two teams last season, 76-69. Getting to the charity stripe was one of UC Santa Barbara’s largest strengths. They had 42 free throw attempts, while Portland State had 32.
Vegas is known to place the total low when the Vikings are playing, as four of their four games have ended over the total. Portland State comes into the game with records of 3-3 straight up (SU) and 2-2 against the spread (ATS).
Gauchos games also have a tendency to finish over the projected point total (100.0 percent). Additionally, UC Santa Barbara owns records of 2-3 SU and 1-3 ATS.
The aggressive UC Santa Barbara offense might be living from the foul line in this matchup. Dating back to last season, the Gauchos rank 46th in the NCAA with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.268, while Portland State has been among the country’s most foul-prone squads (giving up a 343rd-ranked FTA rate of 0.297). This contest should be a battle of contrasting styles. The fast-paced Vikings rank 44th in possessions per game, while the more methodical Gauchos rank 332nd.
Portland State Vikings at UC Santa Barbara Gauchos Betting Pick
Basketball Tip: SU Winner – Portland State, ATS Winner – Portland State, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2018-Present):
- Portland State ranks 16th in steals per game (8.8) while UC Santa Barbara ranks 285th (4.8).
- The Gauchos rank 10th in rebounds allowed per game (30.8) while the Vikings rank 96th (33.7).
- Portland State blocks 4.0 opponent shots per game, which ranks 80th in the NCAA. UC Santa Barbara ranks 83rd in blocks allowed per game (2.9).
- The Gauchos rank 47th in assists allowed per game (11.3) while the Vikings rank 258th (14.6).
- Portland State ranks 135th in three pointers attempted per game (23.0) while UC Santa Barbara ranks 295th (18.8).
