Expect a defensive battle when the UC Santa Barbara Gauchos (17-7, 6-4 BigWst) go head-to-head against the UC Irvine Anteaters (21-5, 9-1 BigWst) at Bren Events Center. The game will air on ESPN2 at 12 a.m. ET on Saturday, February 16, 2019.
UC Santa Barbara Gauchos at UC Irvine Anteaters ATS Odds
In their last outing, the Anteaters defeated the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors, 67-56, while the Gauchos fell to the UC Riverside Highlanders, 71-57.
The Anteaters, who came into the game averaging an offensive rebounding percentage of 32.8, had a fantastic mark of 37.5 and held the Rainbow Warriors to an effective field goal percentage of 0.441 (below their season average of 0.525). UC Santa Barbara, on the other hand, did a terrific job of making free throws (15-20; 75.0 percent). UC Irvine received a boost from Elston Jones, who finished with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Ar’mond Davis played a key role for UC Santa Barbara with 14 points and six rebounds.
In their first matchup this season, Tommy Rutherford led the Anteaters to a 66-62 victory. He put up 11 points and nine rebounds. UC Irvine had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.492 vs. 0.382). UC Santa Barbara, meanwhile, had a much better turnover percentage (8.5 vs. 15.7).
Half-court execution will be of utmost importance when two of the nation’s slowest-paced teams go head-to-head. UC Irvine ranks 287th in possessions per game (67.1) and UC Santa Barbara is 336th (65.1). Furthermore, the 43rd-ranked offense of the Gauchos (offensive efficiency of 112.6) will battle against the 47th-ranked defense of the Anteaters (defensive efficiency of 96.1).
UC Santa Barbara Gauchos vs. UC Irvine Anteaters Free Pick
Free College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – UC Irvine, ATS Winner – UC Irvine, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- UC Santa Barbara ranks 18th in rebounds allowed per game (31.0) while UC Irvine ranks 114th (34.1).
- The Anteaters rank 40th in three pointers allowed per game (19.4) while the Gauchos rank 88th (21.0).
- UC Irvine is 11th in the nation with 10.0 assists allowed per game while UC Santa Barbara is 49th with 11.5 assists allowed per game.
- The Anteaters rank 44th in blocks per game (4.3) while the Gauchos rank 111th (3.4).
- UC Santa Barbara allows the second-fewest steals per game (4.0) while UC Irvine ranks 53rd (5.5).
Bettings Trends:
- The Gauchos’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 1.0, down from 8.8 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Anteaters have scored an average of 71.4 points per game (0.8 above their season average) and allowed an average of 63.0 points per game (1.7 below their season average).
