The No. 25 USC Trojans (5-3) look to put an end to the seven-game winning streak of UC Santa Barbara when they welcome the Gauchos (8-2) to Galen Center. The Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 149.5 points with USC opening as a 13.5-point favorite. Action starts at 8 p.m. ET on Sunday, December 17, 2017, and it can be seen on Pac-12 Network.
UC Santa Barbara Gauchos vs. USC Trojans ATS Preview
In the Gauchos last game, they had no trouble getting past the Montana State Bobcats, 91-69. Leland King was the top scorer from either team with 25 points on 10-for-17 shooting. UC Santa Barbara dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had a fantastic effective field goal percentage of 0.638 (above their season average of 0.527) and a turnover percentage of 12.5 (better than their season average of 15.2). Montana State was 0.491 and 15.7, respectively, for those same stats.
The Trojans will look to keep it rolling after blowing out the Santa Clara Broncos in their last matchup, 82-59. With 21 points on 7-for-14 shooting, Bennie Boatwright was the games leading scorer. USC dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had an extraordinary offensive rebounding percentage of 47.1 (above their season average of 33.0) and a free throw rate of 0.262 (above their season average of 0.211). Santa Clara was 20.0 and 0.156, respectively, for those same stats.
USC could put on a ball-control clinic in this battle. Since the 2016-17 season, USC ranks 32nd in the nation at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 16.2 percent), while UC Santa Barbara has forced the 69th-fewest turnovers (17.7 percent).
In terms of the O/U total, these teams are complete opposites. Games involving UC Santa Barbara have finished over 66.7 percent of the time, while USC games have finished under 57.1 percent of the time. Looking at straight up (SU) and against the spread (ATS) records, the Gauchos have a substantial advantage. They are 8-2 SU and 7-2 ATS, while the Trojans are 5-3 SU and 5-3 ATS.
King has been impressive over the last five games for UC Santa Barbara, averaging 19.2 points and 11.4 rebounds per game.
The Trojans won the only game against the Gauchos last season, 96-72. The Trojans dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had a great free throw rate of 0.262 and an extraordinary offensive rebounding percentage of 33.3. For those same stats, the Gauchos put up marks of 0.106 and 24.3, respectively.
UC Santa Barbara Gauchos vs. USC Trojans Betting Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – USC, ATS Winner – USC, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Trojans rank 119th in rebounds per game (36.8) while the Gauchos rank 143rd in rebounds allowed per game (36.9).
- USC ranks 141st in three pointers attempted per game (21.8) while UC Santa Barbara ranks 145th in three pointers allowed per game (24.1).
- UC Santa Barbara ranks 112th in assists per game (12.7) while USC ranks 154th in assists allowed per game (14.1).
- The Gauchos rank eighth in steals allowed per game (5.1) while the Trojans rank 49th (5.5).
- UC Santa Barbara ranks 41st in blocks allowed per game (3.0) while USC ranks 80th (3.1).
