The Baylor Bears and UCSB Gauchos clash this Friday afternoon on the NCAAB schedule as March Madness continues in the South Region from Denver. Baylor is the number three seed in the region and brings a 22-10 record into the tournament.
Their opponents are the Big West Conference champions in the college basketball standings. UC Santa Barbara is seeded 14th and comes into this matchup with a 27-7 record.
Baylor vs. UCSB
Baylor vs. UCSB Information
Baylor Bears vs UCSB Gauchos
Location: Ball Arena, Denver, CO
Date and Time: Friday, March 17, 2023, 1:30 PM ET
How to Watch: TNT | https://livestreamsports.co/
Updates for Baylor and UCSB
Following the NCAA basketball games today, Baylor limps into the first round of this season’s tournament after losing four of their final six games on the NCAA basketball schedule.
They have been inconsistent for most of the season, but hope to improve on their second-round exit in their NCAA March Madness bracket in 2022. However, they must also do better than they did during their 2-6 finish to end the regular season.
The 2021 NCAA Champion Bears have been led all season by their freshman guard Keyonte George, one of the top college basketball players in the Big 12 conference. He posted an average of 15.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game during the regular season.
The Baylor vs UCSB prediction shows this team may be too much for their opponents in the opening round and should come away with a win as long as their defense is solid against the Gauchos.
Key to UCSB’s Success
UCSB finished the season with seven straight wins. However, none of those victories were against NCAA basketball teams in this year’s March Madness tournament. The Gauchos average 72.2 points per game this season and have a 16-0 mark when scoring more than 70.3 points.
However, some college basketball picks think they could be a dangerous team in this Baylor vs UCSB prediction against the Bears’ inconsistent defense if it struggles in this matchup.
The college basketball injury report for this game indicates that Baylor may have to make their run for the title without Langston Love after he recently suffered an eye injury and is questionable for Friday’s first-round game. However, the Gauchos’ lineup should have everyone healthy for their important tournament matchup.
Baylor vs. UCSB Betting Preview
NCAAB odds have the Bears as favorites against the Gauchos in this first-round clash:
- Moneyline: Baylor -630, Colgate +450
- Spread: Baylor -10.5 (-110), Colgate _10.5 (-110)
- Total points: O 142.5 (-105), U 142.5 (-105)
Baylor vs. UCSB Betting Prediction
This Baylor vs UCSB prediction indicates that Baylor should have no problem covering the spread in this matchup vs the Gauchos’ below-average defense.
The Bears were ranked 22nd in the NCAA this season from beyond the arc, and UCSB likely will struggle to defend against their long-range attack. However, the Gauchos finished 22nd shooting the ball on two-pointers and will face Baylor’s 314th-ranked defense on the interior.
The Baylor vs. UCSB prediction favors the Bears covering the spread in this matchup. Head coach Scott Drew should have Baylor ready for this game, and the March Madness betting odds agree with this prediction.
However, the Bears’ recent struggles on defense should see March Madness bets on the over, as the Gauchos’ defense has allowed 35 points in the first half in their previous three games to close the regular season.
Betting on this event:
- Take the Baylor -10.5, and the total goes over 142.5 points.
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