Hawaii vs UC Santa Barbara Prediction 1-3-25 College Basketball Picks

In this article, we will formulate a Hawaii vs UC Santa Barbara prediction for this College Basketball game on Thursday, January 2nd at the Stan Sheriff Center in Honolulu, Hawaii. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

Hawaii Rainbow Warriors Betting Preview

The Hawaii Rainbow Warriors are 8-4 (0-1) this year after they defeated Oakland by a score of 73-70 in overtime. Hawaii led 32-25 at the half, but they allowed Oakland to force overtime, before picking up the win. The Rainbow Warriors shot 39% from the field, 22.7% on three-pointers, and 75.9% on free throws in the game. Gytis Nemeiksa led Hawaii with 25 points and 11 rebounds, while Harry Rouhliadeff added 15 points and three rebounds in the win. 

Prior to that game, the Rainbow Warriors lost to Nebraska by a score of 69-55 but did beat Charlotte by a score of 78-61 before that. Hawaii has won three of their last four games, but they did lose to Long Beach State by a score of 76-68 in their first conference game. Hawaii has scored 73.2 points per game and they have allowed 69.2 points per game, while also averaging 36.3 rebounds and 11.6 assists per game this season. Gytis Nemeiksa is averaging 14.7 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game, while Marcus Greene is averaging 11.8 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game this season. Hawaii is shooting 46.7% from the field, 69.1% on free throws, and 32.7% on three-pointers this year. 

UC Santa Barbara Gauchos Betting Preview

The UC Santa Barbara Gauchos are 8-5 (0-2) this season after they defeated Westcliff by a score of 89-72 in their last game. UC Santa Barbara led 50-32 at halftime, but they were outscored 40-39 in the second half in the win. The Gauchos shot 58.9% from the field, 31.6% on three-pointers, and 68% on free throws in the game. Deuce Turner led UC Santa Barbara with 21 points and four assists, while Kenny Pohto added 19 points and 11 rebounds in the game. 

Prior to that win, the Gauchos lost to Missouri State by a score of 68-56 and Loyola Marymount by a score of 60-58. UC Santa Barbara has lost four of their last six games, including two losses against UC San Diego and UC Davis to start conference play. UC Santa Barbara has scored 76.2 points per game and they have allowed 64.9 points per game, while also averaging 37.2 rebounds and 14.5 assists per game this season. Kenny Pohto is averaging 12.9 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game, while Deuce Turner is averaging 12.2 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game this year. UCSB is shooting 48.7% from the field, 72.9% on free throws, and 37.8% on three-pointers this season. 

Why Hawaii will beat UC Santa Barbara

• Hawaii has won 14 of its last 15 games at SimpliFi Arena at Stan Sheriff Center against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• UC Santa Barbara has lost each of its last four games against the Big West Conference.
• Hawaii has won the first half in each of its last four games against the Big West Conference at SimpliFi Arena at Stan Sheriff Center.

Why UC Santa Barbara will beat Hawaii

• UC Santa Barbara has won eight of its last nine games against Hawaii.
• Hawaii has lost three of its last four games following a home win.
• UC Santa Barbara has won the first half in each of its last seven night games at SimpliFi Arena at Stan Sheriff Center.

Hawaii vs UC Santa Barbara Prediction 

Hawaii comes into this matchup looking to get their first conference win of the season, but they will be at home for this contest. The Rainbow Warriors have played well to start the season, with two of their four losses coming against Nebraska and UNC. UC Santa Barbara has lost four of their last five D-1 games and their offense is struggling. The Gauchos are scoring over 76 points per game this year, but they have scored 68 and 60 in their last two games. Both teams have been pretty solid defensively and I think we are going to see a lower-scoring game, so I like the under here.