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.