The Omaha Mavericks (4-7) square off with the UC Santa Barbara Gauchos (8-2) at Baxter Arena. The game begins at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, December 19, 2018.
UC Santa Barbara Gauchos vs. Omaha Mavericks Betting Prediction
The Gauchos will be hoping for similar success after topping the Wyoming Cowboys in their last contest, 76-66. The Gauchos had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.585 vs. 0.405) and had a much better free throw rate (0.447 vs. 0.328). UC Santa Barbara was led by Jaquori McLaughlin, who led the team in scoring with 17 points on 5-for-13 shooting.
In the Mavericks’ last game, they were blown out by the Minnesota Golden Gophers, 104-76. Minnesota won the rebounding battle. The Golden Gophers had more offensive rebounds (12 vs. six), defensive rebounds (29 vs. 15) and total rebounds (41 vs. 21). With 21 points on 6-for-11 shooting, Zach Jackson was the game’s high scorer.
After the Gauchos won the sole contest against the Mavericks last season, 77-70, these teams will meet for the first time this year. The Gauchos had a much better free throw rate (0.197 vs. 0.076) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (28.9 vs. 21.1).
Jackson has averaged 0 points over the last five games for Omaha.
Omaha could put on a ball-control clinic in this meeting. Omaha ranks 46th in the nation at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 16.6 percent), while UC Santa Barbara forces the 66th-fewest turnovers (17.3 percent).
UC Santa Barbara Gauchos vs. Omaha Mavericks Free Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – UC Santa Barbara, ATS Winner – UC Santa Barbara, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
UC Santa Barbara ranks 64th in rebounds per game (38.5) while Omaha ranks 249th (28.9).
The Mavericks rank 73rd in three pointers attempted per game (24.7) while the Gauchos rank 251st (17.5).
UC Santa Barbara ranks 32nd in assists allowed per game (10.5) while Omaha ranks 205th (15.6).
The Gauchos rank 49th in blocks per game (4.2) while the Mavericks rank 183rd (1.7).
UC Santa Barbara ranks 13th in steals allowed per game (4.7) while Omaha ranks 86th (6.1).
Bettings Trends:
The Gauchos’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 14.6, up from 11.7 for the season.
During their last five games, the Mavericks have scored an average of 77.4 points per game (2.6 above their season average) and allowed an average of 74.6 points per game (3.9 below their season average).
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