The Rice Owls (3-1) will travel to the Thunderdome to meet the UC Santa Barbara Gauchos (1-1). Action gets underway at 5 p.m. ET on Saturday, November 16, 2019.
Rice Owls vs. UC Santa Barbara Gauchos Betting Odds
In their last outing, the Gauchos lost to the UCLA Bruins, 77-61, while the Owls defeated the Northwestern State Demons, 80-74.
Rice played a nearly flawless game. They had an offensive rebounding percentage of 20.5 (below their season average of 28.4) and a turnover percentage of 14.5 (better than their season average of 21.6). For those same stats, Northwestern State was 14.7 and 17.8, respectively. UC Santa Barbara, meanwhile, had a better effective field goal percentage (0.530 vs. 0.483). UC Santa Barbara was lifted by Max Heidegger, who finished with 21 points and six assists. Meanwhile, Trey Murphy III was a key piece for Rice with 25 points and six rebounds.
The Gauchos won the lone game between these two teams last season, 99-89. The Gauchos’ 11.5 turnover percentage was their largest strength over the Owls, who had a rate of 15.6.
Expect this one to be a clinic on boxing out as two of the nation’s top rebounding teams clash. Since last season, the Gauchos rank 27th in offensive rebounding percentage (34.4 percent), while Rice ranks 18th in defensive rebounding percentage (76.2 percent). It will also be a battle of conflicting paces as the up-and-down Owls rank 49th in possessions per game, while the more methodical Gauchos rank 331st.
Rice Owls at UC Santa Barbara Gauchos Odds Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Rice, ATS Winner – Rice, O/U – Over
Betting Notes (2018-Present):
- Rice ranks 62nd in three pointers attempted per game (25.3) while UC Santa Barbara ranks 291st (18.7).
- The Gauchos rank fourth in steals allowed per game (4.4) while the Owls rank 161st (6.4).
- UC Santa Barbara ranks 133rd in blocks per game (3.4) while Rice ranks 156th in blocks allowed per game (3.4).
- The Gauchos rank 18th in rebounds allowed per game (31.3) while the Owls rank 234th (36.4).
- UC Santa Barbara ranks 37th in assists allowed per game (11.1) while Rice ranks 215th (13.9).
