The UC Santa Barbara Gauchos (6-3) and their phenomenal offense head to Southern Utah to play the Thunderbirds (5-4) and their tremendous defense. The game begins at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 14, 2019.
UC Santa Barbara Gauchos at Southern Utah Thunderbirds ATS Odds
Both teams were triumphant in their last game. The Thunderbirds won a close one over the Utah Valley Wolverines 73-72, while the Gauchos defeated the UT Arlington Mavericks 72-68.
UC Santa Barbara dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had an extraordinary free throw rate of 0.358 (above their season average of 0.250) and a turnover percentage of 14.8 (better than their season average of 15.8). UT Arlington put up marks of 0.224 and 16.3, respectively, for those same stats. Southern Utah, meanwhile, dominated nearly every stat category in their game. They had an absurd offensive rebounding percentage of 38.5 (above their season average of 32.4) and a free throw rate of 0.419 (above their season average of 0.194). Utah Valley had marks of 12.9 and 0.218, respectively, for those same stats. Cameron Oluyitan played well for Southern Utah, finishing with 19 points and seven rebounds. Amadou Sow, meanwhile was a key piece for UC Santa Barbara with 23 points and six rebounds.
It will be a showdown of contrasting tempos as the up-tempo Thunderbirds will look to push the more half-court-oriented Gauchos. Dating back to the 2018-19 season, the Thunderbirds rank 17th in possessions per game while the Gauchos are 333rd. Additionally, the Gauchos’ 26th-ranked offense (offensive efficiency of 112.3) will go head-to-head against the Thunderbirds’ eighth-ranked defense (defensive efficiency of 98.8).
UC Santa Barbara vs. Southern Utah Free Pick
Basketball Tip: SU Winner – Southern Utah, ATS Winner – UC Santa Barbara, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2018-Present):
- Southern Utah ranks 24th in steals per game (6.5) while UC Santa Barbara ranks 208th (4.9).
- The Thunderbirds rank 33rd in assists allowed per game (12.1) while the Gauchos rank 73rd (11.3).
- UC Santa Barbara ranks 42nd in three pointers allowed per game (20.0) while Southern Utah ranks 61st (22.2).
- The Thunderbirds rank 10th in rebounds per game (37.9) while the Gauchos rank 124th (37.4).
- UC Santa Barbara ranks 26th in blocks allowed per game (2.9) while Southern Utah ranks 130th (3.7).
