UC Santa Barbara Gauchos vs
Hawaii Rainbow WarriorsPredictions & Preview

UC Santa Barbara Looks to Extend Dominance Over Hawaii in Big West Conference Showdown

The highly anticipated Big West Conference matchup between UC Santa Barbara and Hawaii is set to take place on Thursday, January 2 at Stan Sheriff Center in Honolulu, HI. The Gauchos, who are currently undefeated in five straight meetings with the Rainbow Warriors, look to extend their dominance. Last season, UC Santa Barbara had a perfect 2-0 record both straight up and against the spread against Hawaii. Despite this, Hawaii is the betting favorite with an opening line of -2.5 and the current line sitting at Hawaii -3.5. Stay updated on this UC Santa Barbara vs. Hawaii prediction for more insight into this exciting game.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Gauchos +137 | Rainbow Warriors -160
• Spread: Gauchos +3.5 (-110) | Rainbow Warriors -3.5 (-110)
• Total: Over/Under 135.5 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Hawaii will win straight-up is 62%.

UC Santa Barbara vs Hawaii Stats

UC Santa Barbara Gauchos

The UC Santa Barbara Gauchos have recently experienced mixed results in their past games, with wins against Green Bay and Westcliff and losses to UC San Diego, UC Davis, and Missouri State. They are currently 0-2 in conference play. Leading the team is junior forward Kenny Pohto with 12.9 points and 7.8 rebounds per game, supported by senior guard Stephan Swenson with 11.2 points and 3.9 assists per game. The Gauchos have an offensive rating of 107.5 and a defensive rating of 106.8, ranking them at No. 142 in the NCAA NET Rankings. In terms of statistics, they shoot 47.92% from the field, 73.54% from the free-throw line, and 38.11% from three-point range. Defensively, they allow opponents to shoot 39.63% from the field and 73.51% from the free-throw line. With these numbers, UC Santa Barbara is currently ranked 195 in offense and 36 in defense, with a power ranking of 212.

Hawaii Rainbow Warriors Analysis

The Hawaii Rainbow Warriors have had a mixed start to their Big West campaign, with a recent win against Oakland showcasing their ability to overcome deficits. Led by senior forward Gytis Nemeiksa, the team has shown strength on both offense and defense, with Nemeiksa averaging 14.7 points and 6.8 rebounds per game. The Warriors have a power ranking of 128 and are ranked #241 for offense, scoring an average of 73.17 points per game. In terms of shooting percentages, Hawaii hits 46.66% of their field goals and 32.68% of their three-point attempts. On defense, they allow an average of 42.64% of field goals and 35.90% of three-pointers. Overall, Hawaii has a record of 8-4 (5-5 ATS) and will look to continue their success in upcoming matchups. For those looking to maximize profits, turning to the Best NCAAB Handicappers may be a wise choice.

Rainbow Warriors' Defensive Prowess Key to Success Against UC Santa Barbara

The Rainbow Warriors are poised for success primarily due to their strong defensive capabilities. Despite allowing their opponents to shoot 35.7% from beyond the arc, ranking 268th in the nation, Hawaii excels in limiting their rivals' opportunities from the 3-point line with a second-place ranking in opposing 3-point rate (.280). Additionally, the Warriors boast top 50 rankings in offensive and defensive rebound percentage, showcasing their overall team strength. Holding the 48th spot in opposing 2-point percentage at 45.9%, Hawaii aims to force their opponents such as UC Santa Barbara to attack the rim. With the Gauchos shooting 37.9% from 3-point range and facing the challenging environment of Stan Sheriff Center, it is evident that UC Santa Barbara may face difficulties securing a victory against the Rainbow Warriors, especially considering their recent struggles despite historical dominance over Hawaii.

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