Portland State Vikings vs. UC Santa Barbara Gauchos Betting Prediction

Daniel GimenezBasketball, College Basketball

The Portland State Vikings (2-1) will go head-to-head against the UC Santa Barbara Gauchos (3-1) at CenturyLink Arena. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, November 23, 2018.

Portland State Vikings vs. UC Santa Barbara Gauchos Betting Odds

Both teams easily got past their last opponent. The Gauchos defeated the Montana State Bobcats 88-69, while the Vikings beat the Willamette Bearcats 125-61.

Portland State dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had an absurd offensive rebounding percentage of 47.5 and a turnover percentage of 12.9. For those same stats, Willamette recorded marks of 15.4 and 32.0, respectively. The Gauchos, meanwhile, had a turnover percentage of 10.7 (better than their season average of 17.7) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.648 (above their season average of 0.539). Ar’mond Davis had a solid performance for UC Santa Barbara, putting up 22 points and five rebounds. Portland State was led by Jamie Orme, who put up 19 points and 13 rebounds.

Ball security could play a significant role in this battle. Dating back to last season, UC Santa Barbara has committed the 23rd-fewest miscues in the nation (turnover percentage of 15.9 percent), while the ball-hawking defense of Portland State has forced the third-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 24.1 percent). It will also be a battle of contrasting styles as the up-tempo Vikings rank sixth in possessions per game, while the slower-paced Gauchos rank 288th.

Portland State vs. UC Santa Barbara Free Pick

Pick: SU Winner – UC Santa Barbara, O/U – Over

Betting Notes (2017-Present):

  • Portland State ranks first in steals per game (10.0) while UC Santa Barbara ranks 278th (4.8).
  • The Vikings rank 35th in three pointers attempted per game (26.2) while the Gauchos rank 229th (20.6).
  • UC Santa Barbara ranks 82nd in rebounds allowed per game (33.3) while Portland State ranks 250th (36.8).
  • The Gauchos rank 21st in blocks allowed per game (2.4) while the Vikings rank 249th (4.2).
  • UC Santa Barbara averages 15.1 assists per game, which ranks 72nd in the NCAA. Portland State ranks 277th in assists allowed per game (15.0).