The Air Force Falcons (4-7) go head-to-head against the UC Riverside Highlanders (5-8) at Clune Arena. The game is scheduled to start at 8 p.m. ET on Friday, December 28, 2018.
UC Riverside Highlanders at Air Force Falcons Betting Prediction
The Highlanders are hoping for a better outcome after their 72-59 loss to the Oregon State Beavers in their last matchup. Oregon State’s turnover percentage was their largest advantage over UC Riverside. The Beavers had a rate of 9.9, while the Highlanders posted a mark of 15.4. Dikymbe Martin was the game’s leading scorer with 20 points on 7-for-11 shooting.
In the Falcons’ last outing, they had no trouble getting past the Johnson & Wales (CO) Wildcats, 90-65. The Falcons had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (43.3 vs. 17.9) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.648 vs. 0.466). With 10 points and eight rebounds, Air Force’s Ryan Swan had a solid outing.
After the Highlanders won the lone game against the Falcons last season, 67-48, these teams will battle for the first time this year. UC Riverside had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.606 vs. 0.348). Air Force, on the other hand, had a much better turnover percentage (11.2 vs. 18.3).
Half-court execution will be critical when a pair of the nation’s slowest-paced teams go head-to-head. Air Force ranks 274th in possessions per game (68.4) and UC Riverside is 348th (64.6). Furthermore, put-back points figure to be few and far between for the Highlanders. They rank 317th in the NCAA in offensive rebounding percentage at 23.7 percent, while the Falcons are 46th-best on the defensive glass (defensive rebounding percentage of 75.7 percent).
UC Riverside Highlanders at Air Force Falcons Betting Pick
Basketball Tip: SU Winner – Air Force, ATS Winner – UC Riverside, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
UC Riverside ranks 21st in three pointers allowed per game (18.2) while Air Force ranks 177th (24.4).
The Highlanders lead the NCAA with 1.4 blocks allowed per game while the Falcons are 37th with 2.6 blocks allowed per game.
Air Force ranks 212th in rebounds per game (33.5) while UC Riverside ranks 244th (30.2).
The Highlanders average 5.1 steals per game, which ranks 158th in the country. The Falcons rank 161st in steals allowed per game (8.4).
Bettings Trends:
The Highlanders’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 10.2, up from 2.5 for the season.
During their last five games, the Falcons have scored an average of 69.2 points per game (1.7 above their season average) and allowed an average of 68.0 points per game (3.5 below their season average).
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