The UC Irvine Anteaters (9-2) and the Denver Pioneers (4-7) battle at Bren Events Center. The Anteaters look to prolong their six-game winning streak. The game starts at 10 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 15, 2018.
Denver Pioneers at UC Irvine Anteaters Betting Odds
Both teams were triumphant in their last game. The Anteaters dismantled the Idaho Vandals 86-68, while the Pioneers beat the Maine Black Bears 63-50.
Denver played a nearly flawless game. They had a free throw rate of 0.151 and a turnover percentage of 13.5. Maine put up marks of 0.103 and 19.3, respectively, for those same stats. UC Irvine, meanwhile, dominated every facet of their game. They had an offensive rebounding percentage of 48.4 and an effective field goal percentage of 0.603. Idaho had marks of 18.2 and 0.545, respectively, for those same stats. UC Irvine received a boost from Eyassu Worku, who recorded 18 points and six assists. Ronnie Harrell Jr. played a pivotal role for Denver with 18 points and 13 rebounds.
The Anteaters won the lone game between these two teams last year, 83-69. UC Irvine’s effective field goal percentage was its largest strength over Denver. The Anteaters had a rate of 0.516 while the Pioneers posted a mark of 0.373. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
Looking at effective field goal percentage, UC Irvine should have a significant advantage. The Anteaters defense ranks 22nd in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.452), while the Denver offense is ranked 125th in effective field goal percentage (0.527).
Denver Pioneers at UC Irvine Anteaters Betting Pick
Basketball Pick: SU Winner – UC Irvine, ATS Winner – Denver, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- UC Irvine ranks 69th in three pointers allowed per game (21.7) while Denver ranks 253rd (26.3).
- The Anteaters rank 50th in steals allowed per game (5.5) while the Pioneers rank 100th (6.1).
- Denver allows the 35th-fewest blocks per game (2.6) while UC Irvine ranks 43rd (2.7).
- The Anteaters rank 21st in rebounds per game (39.5) while the Pioneers rank 177th (35.2).
- UC Irvine ranks 46th in assists allowed per game (10.5) while Denver ranks 131st (13.3).
Bettings Trends:
- The Anteaters\u2019 average margin of victory in their last five games has been 14.8, up from 6.5 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Pioneers have scored an average of 61.4 points per game (10.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 65.0 points per game (10.1 below their season average).
