The UC Santa Barbara Gauchos (7-2) will travel to Tudor Fieldhouse to challenge the Rice Owls (4-6). Action begins at 3 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 15, 2018.
UC Santa Barbara Gauchos at Rice Owls Betting Odds
Both teams defeated their last opponent. The Owls defeated the St. Leo Lions 80-64, while the Gauchos beat the Wyoming Cowboys 76-66.
UC Santa Barbara played a nearly perfect game. They had an effective field goal percentage of 0.585 and a free throw rate of 0.447. Wyoming was 0.405 and 0.328, respectively, for those same stats. The Owls, on the other hand, had a much better free throw rate (0.379 vs. 0.196) and had a much better turnover percentage (14.4 vs. 25.9). Jack Williams played a key role for Rice with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Jaquori McLaughlin played well for UC Santa Barbara, contributing 17 points.
Williams has taken his game to another level as of late for Rice, averaging 0 points over the last five games.
Rice might have difficulty finding the bottom of the net as they go head-to-head against one of the NCAA’s best defenses. Dating back to the 2017-18 season, UC Santa Barbara ranks 24th in defensive efficiency while the Owls rank 307th in offensive efficiency.
UC Santa Barbara Gauchos vs. Rice Owls Odds Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Rice, ATS Winner – UC Santa Barbara, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
- Rice ranks 40th in three pointers attempted per game (26.2) while UC Santa Barbara ranks 282nd (20.0).
- The Gauchos rank 19th in steals allowed per game (3.9) while the Owls rank 159th (6.8).
- UC Santa Barbara ranks 46th in blocks per game (3.8) while Rice ranks 181st (2.4).
- The Gauchos rank 15th in assists allowed per game (13.0) while the Owls rank 244th (16.3).
- UC Santa Barbara ranks 17th in rebounds allowed per game (33.0) while Rice ranks 221st (37.2).
