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CSNorthridge vs. UC Riverside: NCAA Basketball Battle Preview

2024-12-06

CSNorthridge and UC Riverside have made their way to the game, yet their offenses seem to be lacking. With a score of 35 - 31 in favor of CSNorthridge, they appear to be the stronger team, but there's still one half left to play. If CSNorthridge continues to perform like this, their record could quickly rise to 7 - 2. Conversely, UC Riverside will have to make do with a 4 - 5 record unless they can turn things around promptly.

Who's Playing

UC Riverside Highlanders @ CSNorthridge MatadorsCurrent Records: UC Riverside 4 - 4, CSNorthridge 6 - 2

How To Watch

After five games on the road, CSNorthridge is now returning home. They will face off against the UC Riverside Highlanders in a Big West battle at 10:00 p.m. ET on Thursday at Premier America Credit Union Arena. Coming off a victory as the underdog, the Matadors enter this game as the favorite.On Saturday, CSNorthridge had a close call against Montana State, barely winning 72 - 69. This is the closest win they have achieved since March 13th. Meanwhile, despite the point spread favoring UC Riverside last Saturday, they lost to Idaho with a score of 80 - 68. CSNorthridge's victory bumped their record to 6 - 2, while UC Riverside's defeat dropped their record to 4 - 4.This contest is likely to be a one-sided affair. CSNorthridge has been extremely accurate this season, draining 48% of their field goals per game. However, UC Riverside has only managed to make 40.8% of their field goals. Given CSNorthridge's significant advantage in this area, UC Riverside will need to find a way to narrow the gap.In their previous matchup in February, CSNorthridge beat UC Riverside 76 - 70. Will they repeat their success this time, or will UC Riverside have a better game plan? We'll soon find out.

Odds

CSNorthridge is a solid 5.5 - point favorite against UC Riverside, according to the latest college basketball odds. The oddsmakers had a good sense of the line for this game, as it opened with the Matadors as a 4.5 - point favorite. The over/under is set at 150.5 points.For all college basketball picks, including this one, rely on SportsLine's advanced computer model. Get your picks now.

Series History

UC Riverside has won 7 out of their last 10 games against CSNorthridge.Feb 03, 2024 – CSNorthridge 76 vs. UC Riverside 70Jan 20, 2024 – UC Riverside 82 vs. CSNorthridge 63Feb 20, 2023 – UC Riverside 96 vs. CSNorthridge 76Jan 07, 2023 – UC Riverside 68 vs. CSNorthridge 45Feb 24, 2022 – UC Riverside 79 vs. CSNorthridge 57Jan 22, 2022 – UC Riverside 77 vs. CSNorthridge 67Mar 06, 2021 – UC Riverside 66 vs. CSNorthridge 65Mar 05, 2021 – UC Riverside 72 vs. CSNorthridge 68Feb 08, 2020 – CSNorthridge 61 vs. UC Riverside 59Jan 16, 2020 – CSNorthridge 80 vs. UC Riverside 68

UC San Diego and UCSB have made their presence felt in the game so far, yet their offenses seem to be lacking. Sitting at a score of 42 - 33, UC San Diego appears to be the stronger team, but there's still a half to go. UC San Diego entered the contest on a four-game winning streak and is just one half away from making it five. Will they achieve this, or will UCSB step up and spoil their efforts? We'll soon find out.

The Battle for Halftime Supremacy

UC San Diego's Recent Form

The Tritons have been on a roll lately. They've increased their point totals in each of their last five games, showing a consistent offensive improvement. In their most recent win, they easily beat La Verne 109 - 33, bringing their scoring average up to an impressive 77.6 points per game. They also smashed the offensive glass, finishing the game with 14 offensive rebounds, which is the most they've had since February. This form gives them confidence as they head into Thursday's Big West matchup.

UC San Diego is well-prepared for this first Big West game of the season. They know the importance of performing well and are determined to continue their winning streak. Their ability to score consistently and control the offensive glass gives them an edge on the court.

UCSB's Dominance in Recent Games

UCSB has been a force to be reckoned with in their recent games. In their most recent contest on Friday, they easily defeated Miss Valley State 81 - 48, winning by a wide margin. They've made a habit of sweeping their opponents off the court this season, having won three matches by 33 points or more. This dominant performance has boosted their confidence and put them in a good position going into Thursday's matchup.

The Gauchos have a strong offensive game, having drained 38.9% of their threes this season. Their shooting ability and consistent performance make them a tough opponent for UC San Diego. However, UC San Diego is no pushover and will be looking to prove themselves on the court.

Thursday's Shooting Duel

Thursday's matchup is expected to be a shooting showcase. UC San Diego has been extremely efficient from deep this season, draining 36.7% of their threes per game. On the other hand, UCSB also has a strong shooting game, with a 38.9% three-point shooting percentage. This gives both teams an advantage, and it will be interesting to see how their clash plays out.

The over/under for the game is set at 138.5 points, indicating that both teams have the potential to score well. It will be a battle of offensive firepower as they try to outscore each other in the second half.

Odds and Betting Insights

According to the latest college basketball odds, UCSB is a slight 2.5-point favorite against UC San Diego. The oddsmakers had a good feel for the line, as the game initially opened with the Gauchos as a 1.5-point favorite. This shows that the betting community expects a close game, with both teams having a chance to win.

UC San Diego is hoping to beat the odds and come out on top. They are sitting on a four-game streak of covering the spread when playing as the underdog, which gives them some confidence. However, UCSB will be looking to maintain their dominance and secure the win.

Series History

UCSB has won 5 out of their last 8 games against UC San Diego. Looking at the recent series history, we can see some close and competitive matches. February 15, 2024 saw UC San Diego win 61 - 46, while January 4, 2024 had UC San Diego winning 79 - 72. These close games show that both teams are evenly matched and that anything can happen in a matchup.

The series history adds an extra layer of excitement to Thursday's game. Both teams will be looking to gain the upper hand and improve their standing in the series.

University Park, Pa. witnessed Purdue basketball's pursuit of a third consecutive Big Ten championship take a hit as they put on yet another lackluster performance in a conference road opener. Penn State emerged victorious, clobbering the No. 7 Boilermakers 81 - 70 at Bryce Jordan Center. The final score was somewhat misleading as Purdue trailed by a significant 27 points with under 10 minutes remaining. This loss marks their sixth defeat in the past seven conference road games in December.

Purdue's Road Woes Continue in Big Ten Play

Purdue's Offensive Inconsistencies

Purdue's offense got off to a rocky start and struggled to find a rhythm throughout the first half. They committed a whopping 14 turnovers, which was only two fewer than their season high from the season opener against Texas A&M - Corpus Christi and one less than their turnover count in the loss at Marquette. This excessive turnover rate played a significant role in their offensive inefficiency and gave their opponents easy scoring opportunities.The halfcourt ball pressure exerted by Penn State also took its toll. Fletcher Loyer alone committed five turnovers. Additionally, the Boilermakers played sloppy, forcing drives and passes that led to turnovers. The empty possessions during these stretches hurt them as they went scoreless for over five minutes at one point. Their inability to get back and set up a defense further compounded their problems. Both teams turned the ball over frequently, but Penn State was more effective in capitalizing on their takeaways and executing better in the halfcourt when they retained possession.

Brandon Brantley's Impact

Brandon Brantley used to dislike playing in the post. However, now he has become Purdue's big man whisperer. His presence on the court has had a significant impact on the team's performance. In this particular game, he showed his skills and contributed in various ways. His ability to handle the ball and make smart decisions in the post was crucial for Purdue's offense.

Purdue's Upcoming Game Against Maryland

Purdue now heads home for a noon Sunday tipoff against Maryland to complete their two - game opening to the conference schedule. The Terrapins opened Wednesday with a convincing 83 - 59 victory over Ohio State and are currently 8 - 1 with five consecutive wins since a four - point home loss to Marquette. Maryland ranks among the best defenses in the country by some metrics. Freshman big man Derik Queen leads the way with 16.6 points, 8.3 rebounds, 1.2 steals, and 1.0 blocks. This upcoming game will be a crucial test for Purdue as they look to bounce back and improve their performance in conference play.

English

Who's Playing

How To Watch

Odds

Series History

The Battle for Halftime Supremacy

UC San Diego's Recent Form

UCSB's Dominance in Recent Games

Thursday's Shooting Duel

Odds and Betting Insights

Series History

Purdue's Road Woes Continue in Big Ten Play

Purdue's Offensive Inconsistencies

Brandon Brantley's Impact

Purdue's Upcoming Game Against Maryland