The North Dakota State Bison (0-1) get their home schedule started at Scheels Center against the UC Santa Barbara Gauchos (1-0). Action starts at 2 p.m. ET on Sunday, November 11, 2018.
UC Santa Barbara Gauchos at North Dakota State Bison Betting Odds
In their last game, the Bison fell to the New Mexico State Aggies, 73-56, while the Gauchos were victorious over the Wyoming Cowboys, 76-66.
UC Santa Barbara dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had an effective field goal percentage of 0.585 and a free throw rate of 0.447. For those same stats, Wyoming had marks of 0.405 and 0.328, respectively. North Dakota State, meanwhile, had a better effective field goal percentage (0.446 vs. 0.477). Rocky Kreuser led the way for North Dakota State, contributing 23 points and five rebounds. Meanwhile, Jaquori McLaughlin played a key role for UC Santa Barbara with 17 points.
The Gauchos won the lone game between these two teams last year, 85-66. The Gauchos’ offensive rebounding percentage was their largest strength over the Bison. UC Santa Barbara had a rate of 26.7, while North Dakota State posted a mark of 20.0.
It could be a tough game for North Dakota State on the offensive glass. The Bison rank 332nd in offensive rebounding percentage (22.5 percent), while UC Santa Barbara ranks 63rd in defensive rebounding percentage (74.2 percent) since last season. The Gauchos should have an edge in terms of ball security. They rank 28th at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 15.9 percent). Conversely, the Bison have forced the eighth-fewest turnovers in the NCAA (opponents’ turnover percentage of 14.8 percent).
UC Santa Barbara at North Dakota State Free Pick
Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – North Dakota State, ATS Winner – North Dakota State, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
- North Dakota State ranks 17th in assists allowed per game (10.5) while UC Santa Barbara ranks 180th (13.7).
- The Bison rank 74th in three pointers attempted per game (24.4) while the Gauchos rank 122nd in three pointers allowed per game (20.9).
- The Gauchos rank 106th in blocks per game (3.7) while the Bison rank 226th (2.4).
- UC Santa Barbara ranks first in steals allowed per game (3.7) while North Dakota State ranks 109th (5.9).
