The Portland State Vikings and UC Santa Barbara Gauchos face off on Thursday in a college basketball showdown at the UCSB Events Center.
What a Win for Portland State in First Game
Portland State faced off against Air Force in the first game and the defense was elite on the way to the seven point victory. The offense only scored 62 points, but the defense was the difference. As the season goes on, they expect Portland State to push the pace more, and it might start in this game. Portland State didn’t have a really a star in the first game, but it was a balanced attack. Jorell Saterfield finished with 10 points and seven rebounds. There were six different players that finished with at least seven points.
UC Santa Barbara Have High Expectations
UC Santa Barbara will be playing their first game of the season, and they have high expectations heading into this game. Big West Conference Player of the Year Ajay Mitchell is back, and they have high expectations heading into this season. Josh Pierre-Louis and Cole Anderson are also back, and most believe they are going to repeat as Big West champs. UC Santa Barbara is playing a tough non-conference schedule and this is a game they can’t overlook.
Trends
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Portland State's last 9 games. Portland State are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games. The total has gone OVER in 7 of UC-Santa Barbara's last 9 games. UC-Santa Barbara are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games. UC-Santa Barbara are 12-2 SU in their last 14 games against an opponent in the Big Sky conference.
Shane’s Free Pick
Portland State is going to want to push the pace more in this game, and they are going to find success scoring in this game. Portland State’s defense is also going to step up here, and that is going to be enough to keep this game close. I am not sure Portland State is going to win this game, but they are going to keep this game close. Back Portland State to cover the spread here with ease.