Half-time report
There’s only one half left between LMU and the victory they were favored to get tonight. A win is still in play for either team after one quarter, but LMU leads 33-30 over UCSB.
LMU came into the game with extra motivation after the loss handed to them the last time these two teams met. We’ll see if they are able to flip the script or if it will just be more of the same.
Who’s playing
UCSB Gauchos @ LMU Lions
Current records: UCSB 7-3, LMU 5-4
How to watch
What you need to know
The UCSB Gauchos and LMU Lions will face off for some holiday cheer at 10 p.m. ET on Wednesday at Gersten Pavilion. The Gauchos strut with some offensive power as they have averaged 78.8 points per game this season.
UCSB suffered a loss in their away game last Saturday, but their home fans gave them all the motivation they needed on Saturday. They beat Green Bay 83-66.
Meanwhile, LMU’s game on Saturday was tied 32-32 at halftime, but fortunately for them, it didn’t stay that way. They bypassed Prairie View 76-75 on a last-minute layup by Will Johnston with just one second left in the second quarter. This victory made it two consecutive victories for the Lions.
Among those leading the charge was Johnston, who earned a 6 out of 10 on his way to 23 points. Additionally, he also posted a 60% field goal percentage, which is the highest he has posted since January. Another player who made the difference was Aaron McBride, who went 6 of 8 on his way to 12 points plus five rebounds and two blocks.
UCSB’s victory improved its record to 7-3. As for LMU, they have performed well recently as they have won four of their last five matches, which significantly improved their 5-4 record this season.
Keep an eye on the arc in Wednesday’s game: UCSB has made it easy to make deep shots this year, averaging 10.5 threes per game. However, it’s not like LMU is struggling in this department, as its average is 8.7. Given these competing forces, it will be interesting to see how their clash plays out.
UCSB hopes to defy the odds on Wednesday as experts believe they are headed for a loss. This will be the first time they play as an underdog on the road this season.
Odds
LMU is a slight 2.5-point favorite against UCSB, according to the latest college basketball odds.
Oddsmakers had a good idea of ​​the line for this one, as the game opened with the Lions as 1.5 point favorites.
The over/under is 141 points.
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History of the series
UCSB has won 2 of its last 3 games against LMU.
- December 16, 2023 – UCSB 68 vs. LMU 59
- December 12, 2020 – LMU 81 vs. UCSB 76
- December 7, 2020 – UCSB 69 vs. LMU 58
