The UC Santa Barbara Gauchos (19-9, 8-5 BigWst) and their great offense travel to UC Irvine to play the Anteaters (20-10, 12-2 BigWst) and their stifling defense. The game is scheduled to start at 10 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 29, 2020.
UC Santa Barbara Gauchos vs. UC Irvine Anteaters Betting Odds
Both teams defeated their last opponent. The Anteaters defeated the Cal Poly Mustangs 82-76, while the Gauchos beat the UC Riverside Highlanders 65-60.
The Gauchos made 22 of their 28 free throws (78.6 percent) and had a better offensive rebounding percentage (31.3 vs. 28.1). The Anteaters, meanwhile, made 11 of their 15 free throws (73.3 percent) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.710 (above their season average of 0.522). Evan Leonard had a solid performance for UC Irvine, recording 22 points. UC Santa Barbara, meanwhile, received a boost from JaQuori McLaughlin, who had 22 points.
In their first matchup this year, Amadou Sow led the Gauchos to a 64-61 win. He notched a double-double with 21 points and 10 rebounds. UC Santa Barbara made good use of their 25 trips to the free throw line, converting on 21 of them (84.0 percent). UC Irvine, on the other hand, was just 7-8 (87.5 percent).
It might turn into a shootout as a pair of the country’s best offenses face off. UC Irvine ranks 60th with 108.2 points per 100 possessions and UC Santa Barbara is 17th (111.9). Moreover, the Gauchos are among the NCAA’s best on the offensive backboards, ranking 60th in offensive rebounding percentage (32.1 percent). The Anteaters, meanwhile, rank 40th in defensive rebounding percentage (75.6 percent).
UC Santa Barbara vs. UC Irvine Odds Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – UC Irvine, ATS Winner – UC Irvine, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- UC Irvine ranks 23rd in rebounds per game (39.6) while UC Santa Barbara ranks 200th (34.1).
- The Gauchos rank 242nd in three pointers attempted per game (19.0) while the Anteaters rank 285th (17.3).
- UC Santa Barbara allows the 11th-fewest blocks per game (2.3) while UC Irvine ranks 37th (2.6).
- The Anteaters rank 125th in steals per game (6.5) while the Gauchos rank 236th (4.7).
- UC Irvine ranks 46th in assists per game (14.7) while UC Santa Barbara ranks 92nd (13.8).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Anteaters have scored an average of 74.4 points per game (0.1 above their season average) and allowed an average of 63.4 points per game (1.8 below their season average).
- The Gauchos’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 4.4, down from 5.3 for the season.
