The San Diego Toreros (5-1) visit UC Santa Barbara to take on the Gauchos (5-2) in a game that will likely be low scoring. The game begins at 10 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 2, 2017.
UC Santa Barbara opened as a 2.5-point favorite, while the game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 137 points.
San Diego Toreros at UC Santa Barbara Gauchos Free Prediction
The last time the Toreros played, they were topped by the San Diego State Aztecs, 66-57. Getting to the charity stripe was one of San Diego State’s largest advantages. They made 28 trips to the line, while San Diego went just seven times. Isaiah Pineiro led San Diego in scoring with 19 points on 8-for-18 shooting.
The Gauchos beat the San Francisco Dons in their last matchup, 79-72. UC Santa Barbara held the Dons to an effective field goal percentage of 0.403 (below their season average of 0.498). San Francisco, meanwhile, held the Gauchos to an offensive rebounding percentage of 18.8 (below their season average of 30.2). Leland King was the game’s high scorer with 21 points on 9-for-15 shooting.
Half-court execution will be critical when a pair of the nation’s slowest-paced teams clash. UC Santa Barbara ranks 313th in possessions per game (66.3) and San Diego is 326th (65.7) since the 2016-17 season.
San Diego heads into the contest with records of 5-1 straight up (SU) and 2-1 against the spread (ATS). Games involving the Toreros have a tendency to go under the total (66.7 percent).
Meanwhile, UC Santa Barbara is 5-2 SU and 5-1 ATS. Contrary to San Diego, Gauchos games tend to go over the projected point total (83.3 percent).
The Toreros won the sole contest against the Gauchos last season, 77-68. San Diego did a terrific job of converting from the free throw line (19-21; 90.5 percent). UC Santa Barbara, on the other hand, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (34.1 vs. 19.2).
San Diego Toreros at UC Santa Barbara Gauchos ATS Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – San Diego, ATS Winner – San Diego, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
San Diego ranks 48th in assists allowed per game (11.5) while UC Santa Barbara ranks 293rd (15.5).
The Toreros rank 53rd in three pointers allowed per game (19.2) while the Gauchos rank 295th (24.4).
UC Santa Barbara ranks 151st in rebounds per game (36.3) while San Diego ranks 278th (33.2).
The Gauchos rank 230th in blocks per game (2.6) while the Toreros rank 268th (2.1).
UC Santa Barbara ranks 251st in steals per game (5.1) while San Diego ranks 280th (4.4).
