The Portland State Vikings (1-0) will travel to Student Recreation Center to take on the UC Riverside Highlanders (1-1) in their home opener. The games Over/Under (O/U) opened at 152.5 points with UC Riverside set as a 2.5-point favorite. Action begins at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday, November 18, 2017.
Portland State Vikings at UC Riverside Highlanders Free Preview
The last time the Vikings played, they beat the Portland Pilots, 80-75. With 11 points and 12 rebounds, Portland States Traylin Farris put together a good outing. The Vikings had a much better turnover percentage (13.5 vs. 20.1) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (47.3 vs. 40.5).
The Highlanders are hoping for a better outcome after their 76-64 loss to the Loyola Marymount Lions in their last outing. Dikymbe Martin was UC Riversides high scorer with 20 points on 7-for-12 shooting. Loyola Marymount had a much better turnover percentage (12.5 vs. 25.3). UC Riverside, meanwhile, did a terrific job of converting from the free throw line (18-21; 85.7 percent).
This has potential to be a mistake-prone game for the offense of UC Riverside. Since the 2016-17 season, UC Riverside ranks 283rd in the nation in ball protection (turnover percentage of 20.2 percent), while the ball-hawking defense of Portland State has forced the 20th-most turnovers in the nation (22.4 percent).
The Vikings have had records of 16-16 straight up (SU) and 13-12-2 against the spread (ATS) since last season. Portland State games have had a tendency to finish over the O/U total since last season (63.0 percent).
The Highlanders, on the other hand, have records of 8-22 SU and 10-17 ATS since last season. UC Riversides games have had a tendency to go under the O/U total over that same period (59.3 percent).
Portland State Vikings vs. UC Riverside Highlanders Free Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – UC Riverside, ATS Winner – Portland State, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Highlanders rank 211th in rebounds per game (35.0) while the Vikings rank 275th in rebounds allowed per game (38.0).
- Portland State ranks 40th in assists per game (15.8) while UC Riverside ranks 272nd (11.6).
- The Vikings rank 109th in three pointers attempted per game (22.4) while the Highlanders rank 264th (18.6).
- Portland State ranks fourth in steals per game (9.8) while UC Riverside ranks 134th (6.4).
