A key college basketball betting odds battle sees the away UC Irvine Anteaters taking on the St. Mary's Gaels Saturday.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
The UC Irvine Anteaters opened as 18-point underdogs in this one at most sportsbooks tracked at Odds Shark, including Sportsbook. The total was set to open a bit later (check out Sportsbook for the latest situation).
UC Irvine Anteaters vs St. Mary's Gaels Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
The St. Mary's Gaels are 8-2 so far on the season, and 3-6 ATS vs the number. The UC Irvine Anteaters, meanwhile, are 4-8 and 2-7 ATS. OVER/UNDER bettors have seen St. Mary's go 5-4 and the UC Irvine Anteaters go 4-5 on betting totals.
The Gaels - Anteaters odds would favor the Gaels if the lines were set according to our power ranks. St. Mary's is rated No. 67 in the current Odds Shark poll, while UC Irvine is at No. 255.
Statistical Matchup
Scoring and defensive stats point to some betting edges in this matchup. The game features St. Mary's's No. 48-ranked scoring average of 82.2 PPG, against a UC Irvine Anteaters defense rated No. 171 and allowing 73.33 PPG. The St. Mary's Gaels FG% has averaged 51.81% to date this season, more than the UC Irvine Anteaters shooters have managed so far (44.02% per game).
Recent Outings Betting Recap
The Anteaters got 16 points from Max Hazzard, but it was UTRGV that prevailed in a 73-59 final on Saturday at UTPA Fieldhouse.
The Gaels blew out Seattle on Saturday, running up a 20+ point victory in a 97-73 win at McKeon Pavilion.
Next Betting Matchups
UC Irvine at Montana, Tuesday, December 19th
St. Mary's at Dayton, Tuesday, December 19th