UC Irvine Anteaters vs. Saint Mary’s Gaels Free Prediction

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It will be a showdown between two stifling defenses when the Saint Mary’s Gaels (3-3) challenge the UC Irvine Anteaters (6-1) at McKeon Pavilion. Action starts at 10 p.m. ET on Wednesday, November 28, 2018.

UC Irvine Anteaters at Saint Mary’s Gaels ATS Odds

Both teams were beaten in their last outing. The Gaels fell to the Harvard Crimson, 74-68, while the Anteaters were defeated by the Toledo Rockets, 67-60.

UC Irvine had a better turnover percentage (14.0 vs. 17.2) while Saint Mary’s forced Harvard into a turnover percentage of 20.1 (above the 15.1 mark opponents have averaged against Saint Mary’s this season). Saint Mary’s received a boost from Malik Fitts, who finished with 27 points and 13 rebounds. Jonathan Galloway, meanwhile played a key role for UC Irvine with 10 points and 11 rebounds.

The Gaels won the only contest between these two teams last season, 73-66. Getting to the charity stripe was one of Saint Mary’s’ largest strengths. They made 29 trips to the line, while UC Irvine went just 13 times.

This battle pits one of the country’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses. Since last season, Saint Mary’s ranks fourth in offensive efficiency and UC Irvine ranks 24th in defensive efficiency. Furthermore, the Anteaters have been among the country’s best on the offensive backboards, ranking 35th in offensive rebounding percentage (33.9 percent). The Gaels, meanwhile, rank 11th in defensive rebounding percentage (76.9 percent).

UC Irvine Anteaters at Saint Mary’s Gaels Odds Pick

Pick: SU Winner – Saint Mary’s, ATS Winner – UC Irvine, O/U – Under

Betting Notes (2017-Present):

  • UC Irvine ranks fifth in rebounds per game (41.6) while Saint Mary’s ranks 250th (33.7).
  • The Gaels rank 10th in three pointers allowed per game (17.5) while the Anteaters rank 78th (20.4).
  • UC Irvine ranks 255th in steals per game (5.3) while Saint Mary’s ranks 283rd (4.8).
  • The Anteaters rank 56th in blocks per game (4.2) while the Gaels rank 248th (2.4).
  • Saint Mary’s ranks 97th in assists per game (14.6) while UC Irvine ranks 243rd (12.6).