UC Riverside vs UC Santa Barbara Prediction 1/16/25 College Basketball Picks

In this article, we will formulate a UC Santa Barbara vs UC Riverside Prediction for this college basketball game on Thursday, January 16th, at the USCB Events Center. Let’s take a look at a UC Santa Barbara Gauchos vs UC Riverside Highlanders Pick. 

UC Riverside is Struggling

UC Riverside is suddenly struggling heading into this game and they have lost two games in a row. Two games ago against UC Irvine, they lost 81-57 and in the last game against Hawaii, they lost 83-76. At halftime against Hawaii, they were actually up 30-28 but in the second half the defense gave up 55 points and that led to the defeat. Barrington Hargress was the top player putting up 19 points, two rebounds, and two assists. Kaleb Smith also had a strong game putting up 14 points, three rebounds, and one assist. 

UC Riverside currently sits with a 10-7 record overall and they have gone 9-6-1 against the spread. UC Riverside comes into this game averaging 71.8 points while their defense is giving up 72.7 points per game. The offense is ranked 261st in the league while the defense is ranked 228th. Barrington Hargress has been the top player for UC Riverside averaging 19.4 points while shooting 42.3 percent from the field. 

UC Santa Barbara Has Confidence 

UC Santa Barbara has confidence heading into this game and they have won four games in a row. In the last game against Cal Poly, they went on the road but they were able to secure a 75-72 victory. Guard Stephen Swanson has been the top player for UC Santa Barbara, averaging 22 points, six assists, and four rebounds. There were four different players that put up at least 12 points. 

UC Santa Barbara comes into this game with an 11-5 record overall and they have gone 6-7 against the spread. UC Santa Barbara is averaging 75.5 points while their defense is giving up 65.2 points per game. The offense is ranked 170th in the league while the defense is ranked 36th. They are averaging 56.06 field goals per game which is 307th. Kenny Photo has been the top player averaging 12.6 points while shooting 65.4 percent from the field. 

Why UC Santa Barbara Will Beatt UC Riverside 

• UC Santa Barbara has won each of its last four games against non-AP-ranked opponents.

UC Santa Barbara vs UC Riverside Prediction

Away from home UC Riverside hasn’t been as good this season, and that is going to be the difference here. UC Santa Barbara is giving up 65.2 points per game and their defense is going to step up here, UC Riverside is averaging 71.8 points per game bt their offense isn’t going to be enough here. At home, UC Santa Barbara’s offense is going to put on a show and that will be the difference here. Back UC Santa Barbara against the spread.