UC Santa Barbara (12-5) vs UC Davis (10-8)
Game Info: Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 4:00 pm (The Thunderdome)
The Line: Betting Odds: UC Santa Barbara -8.5 — Over/Under: 135
The UC-Davis Aggies are visiting the UCSB Gauchos on Saturday, January 18th at The Thunderdome. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s a UC-Davis Aggies vs UCSB Gauchos Prediction. We will examine:
The UCSB Gauchos’ recent form and player performance
The UC-Davis Aggies’ recent form and player performance
Recent betting trends and streaks involving the UCSB Gauchos
Recent betting trends and streaks involving the UC-Davis Aggies
Recent betting trends in games played between UC-Davis Aggies and UCSB Gauchos
A summary that ties it all together and produces a favorable betting outcome for the UC-Davis Aggies vs UCSB Gauchos game
UCSB Gauchos Preview
The UCSB Gauchos have a 12-5 record this season and are sitting in third place in the Big West. The Gauchos are coming off a 66-63 win over UC Irvine. The Gauchos are 7-8 against the spread, and 4-10 in over/under, while having an 8-2 home record.
Offensively, UCSB is averaging 74.9 points per game, which ranks 189th in the nation. Defensively, they allow 65.1 points per game (36th). The Gauchos shoot 47.9% from the field (55th) and 38.5% from beyond the arc (24th). The Gauchos shoot 73.1% from the free-throw line (135th) and are grabbing 36.2 rebounds per game (171st).
Kenny Pohto leads UCSB in scoring this season, with an average of 12.6 points and a team-high 7.6 rebounds, while Stephan Swenson adds 12.6 points. 3.6 rebounds and a team-high 4.3 assists.
UC-Davis Aggies Preview
The UC-Davis Aggies have a 9-8 record this season and are sitting in the 5th place in the Big West. The Aggies are coming off a 65-54 win over Cal Poly. The Aggies are 8-7 against the spread, and 5-10 in over/under while having a 3-6 road record.
Offensively, UC-Davis is averaging 70.1 points per game, which ranks 290th in the nation. Defensively, they allow 71 points per game (174th). The Aggies shoot 40.7% from the field (343rd) and 31.2% from beyond the arc (304th). The Aggies shoot 74.2% from the free-throw line (95th) and are grabbing 34.9 rebounds per game (248th).
TY Johnson leads UC-Davis in scoring this season, with 20.4 points and 4.8 rebounds, while Pablo Tamba adds 11.1 points and 5.2 rebounds.
Why the UC Santa Barbara Gauchos will win
- UC Santa Barbara has won 21 of its last 22 day games at The Thunderdome.
- UC Davis has lost three of its last four day games.
- UC Santa Barbara has won the first half in four of its last five games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
Why the UC Davis Aggies will win
- UC Davis has won each of its last three games against UC Santa Barbara.
- UC Santa Barbara has lost the first half in 11 of its last 13 games against the Big West Conference at The Thunderdome.
Total Points Facts
- Each of UC Santa Barbara’s last seven day games against non-AP-ranked opponents at The Thunderdome have produced a total of 142+ points.
- Four of UC Davis’ last five road games have produced a total of 134 or fewer points.
Matchup/League Facts
- UC Santa Barbara ranks T10th among Division 1 teams for opponent blocks per game this season (2.1).
- UC Santa Barbara ranks 24th among Division 1 teams for a three-point percentage this season (38.5%).
- UC Davis ranks 356th among Division 1 teams for assist-to-turnover ratio this season (0.72).
- UC Davis ranks 355th among Division 1 teams for assists per game this season (10.4).
UC-Davis Aggies vs UCSB Gauchos Head-to-Head
UCSB is 7-3 in their last 10 meetings against UC-Davis, but UC-Davis is 3-0 against the spread in their last 3 meetings. Over is 4-2 in their last 6 meetings, and in their most recent meeting last season, UC-Davis won 71-60 at home, covering the spread, as the game went under the point total.
UC-Davis Aggies vs UCSB Gauchos Prediction
In this UC-Davis Aggies vs UCSB Gauchos Prediction, UCSB is coming as -8.5 home favorites. UCSB is rightfully favored, as they are the better record this season, and they have been very strong at home. The Gauchos have an elite defense, while the Aggies are a bottom-20 team in field goal percentage. UCSB is coming in hot, with five consecutive wins, so expect them to take care of business today. Take the UCSB Gauchos and lay the points at home.