The UC Santa Barbara Gauchos (15-8, 4-4 BigWst) and their phenomenal offense host the UC Irvine Anteaters (15-9, 7-1 BigWst) and their exceptional defense. Action begins at 10 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 8, 2020, and can be seen on ESPNU.
UC Irvine Anteaters vs. UC Santa Barbara Gauchos ATS Odds
Both teams beat their last opponent. The Gauchos defeated the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors 76-66, while the Anteaters beat the UC Davis Aggies 83-72.
The Anteaters, who came into the game averaging an offensive rebounding percentage of 34.8, had a ridiculous mark of 50.0 and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.597 (above their season average of 0.515). The Gauchos, on the other hand, had a phenomenal offensive rebounding percentage of 43.5 (above their season average of 32.6) and had a free throw rate of 0.288 (above their season average of 0.278). Amadou Sow had a solid game for UC Santa Barbara with 30 points and six rebounds. Meanwhile, Brad Greene had a solid performance for UC Irvine, finishing with 17 points and 12 rebounds.
The Anteaters dominated this series last year, winning both games. In the most recent game, UC Irvine won 83-70. The Anteaters’ 45.5 offensive rebounding percentage was their largest strength over the Gauchos, who had a mark of 33.3. This is the first time these teams will clash this year.
The game should be a matchup of strength against strength as the prolific offense of UC Santa Barbara (15th in the NCAA with an offensive efficiency of 112.1) takes on the top-notch defense of UC Irvine (60th in the country with a defensive efficiency of 94.2). Additionally, the Anteaters are among the nation’s elite on the offensive backboards, ranking 18th in offensive rebounding percentage (35.5 percent). The Gauchos, meanwhile, rank 32nd at securing defensive rebounds with a defensive rebounding percentage of 76.0 percent.
UC Irvine Anteaters at UC Santa Barbara Gauchos Betting Pick
Free Pick: SU Winner – UC Santa Barbara, ATS Winner – UC Santa Barbara, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- UC Irvine ranks 12th in rebounds per game (40.7) while UC Santa Barbara ranks 193rd (34.7).
- The Gauchos rank 240th in three pointers attempted per game (18.9) while the Anteaters rank 272nd (17.8).
- UC Santa Barbara ranks 16th in blocks allowed per game (2.3) while UC Irvine ranks 44th (2.7).
- The Anteaters rank 111th in steals per game (6.6) while the Gauchos rank 235th (4.7).
- UC Irvine ranks 23rd in assists allowed per game (10.2) while UC Santa Barbara ranks 98th (11.9).
Bettings Trends:
- The Gauchos’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 3.4, down from 5.5 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Anteaters have scored an average of 76.8 points per game (2.0 above their season average) and allowed an average of 65.6 points per game (0.1 below their season average).
