UC Riverside Highlanders vs. Valparaiso Crusaders Betting Prediction

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The UC Riverside Highlanders (2-6) will travel to the Athletics-Recreation Center to take on the Valparaiso Crusaders (4-3). The game gets underway at 2 p.m. ET on Sunday, December 2, 2018.

UC Riverside Highlanders at Valparaiso Crusaders Betting Odds

In their last contest, the Crusaders defeated the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels, 72-64, while the Highlanders were beaten by the California Baptist Lancers, 80-70.

The Crusaders knocked down 15 of their 18 free throws (83.3 percent), while the Runnin’ Rebels had a turnover percentage of 26.3 (above their season average of 19.0). UC Riverside, meanwhile, had a turnover percentage of 11.2 (better than their season average of 22.4). Valparaiso received a boost from Derrik Smits, who recorded 20 points and 12 rebounds. Meanwhile, Dikymbe Martin had a solid performance for UC Riverside, recording 18 points and six rebounds.

The Highlanders won the lone game between these two teams last season, 73-60. One of UC Riverside’s largest advantages was getting to the free throw line. They made 42 trips to the line, while Valparaiso went just 19 times.

Valparaiso could dominate on the defensive side of the ball as they battle against one of the NCAA’s worst offenses. The Crusaders rank 46th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.476), while UC Riverside is 337th in effective field goal percentage (0.462) since last season.

UC Riverside Highlanders at Valparaiso Crusaders ATS Pick

Basketball Tip: SU Winner – Valparaiso, ATS Winner – UC Riverside, O/U – Under

Betting Notes (2017-Present):

  • Valparaiso ranks 129th in rebounds allowed per game (34.2) while UC Riverside ranks 280th (37.6).
  • The Crusaders rank 192nd in assists per game (13.2) while the Highlanders rank 269th (12.0).
  • Valparaiso ranks 37th in blocks allowed per game (2.6) while UC Riverside ranks 98th (3.1).
  • The Crusaders rank 56th in steals per game (7.3) while the Highlanders rank 204th in steals allowed per game (6.6).
  • Valparaiso ranks 30th in three pointers allowed per game (19.2) while UC Riverside ranks 156th (21.7).