The UC Santa Barbara Gauchos (8-2) will travel to Baxter Arena to clash with the Omaha Mavericks (4-7). Action starts at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, December 19, 2018.
UC Santa Barbara Gauchos vs. Omaha Mavericks Betting Odds
In their last outing, the Mavericks got blown out by the Minnesota Golden Gophers, 104-76, 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 was 0.405 and 0.328, respectively. Omaha, on the other hand, had a better turnover percentage (15.6 vs. 20.0). Omaha rallied around Zach Jackson, who recorded 21 points and five steals. Jaquori McLaughlin, meanwhile led the way for UC Santa Barbara, recording 17 points.
The Gauchos won the sole game between these two teams last year, 77-70. UC Santa Barbara’s free throw rate was their largest strength over Omaha. The Gauchos had a rate of 0.197, while the Mavericks posted a mark of 0.076. This is the first time these teams will clash this year.
Jackson has taken his game to another level recently for Omaha, averaging 0 points over the last five games.
Omaha could put on a ball-control clinic in this battle. Omaha ranks 46th in the NCAA at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 16.6 percent), while UC Santa Barbara forces the 66th-fewest turnovers (17.3 percent).
UC Santa Barbara Gauchos vs. Omaha Mavericks Free Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Omaha, ATS Winner – UC Santa Barbara, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- UC Santa Barbara ranks 64th in rebounds per game (38.5) while Omaha ranks 249th (28.9).
- The Gauchos rank 49th in blocks per game (4.2) while the Mavericks rank 183rd (1.7).
- UC Santa Barbara ranks 13th in steals allowed per game (4.7) while Omaha ranks 86th (6.1).
- The Mavericks rank 73rd in three pointers attempted per game (24.7) while the Gauchos rank 251st (17.5).
- UC Santa Barbara ranks 32nd in assists allowed per game (10.5) while Omaha ranks 205th (15.6).
Bettings Trends:
- The Mavericks have outscored opponents by an average of 2.8 points in their last five games. On the season, Omaha has been defeated by an average of 3.6 points.
- During their last five games, the Gauchos have scored an average of 78.2 points per game (3.3 above their season average) and allowed an average of 63.6 points per game (0.4 above their season average).