It's Gaucho time tonight.

[Mr.Misanthrope]

10-10 this season

One play worth sharing tonight.

CAL-SANTA BARBARA -4 1/2 - There's many reasons to favor the Gauchos tonight, starting with home court advantage. There isn't a tougher place to play in the Big West than the Thunderdome with 6,000 screaming surfers and surfettes packing the place for every game. Santa Barbara also will be looking for revenge after getting handed its hat in Stockton, 76-56.

The Gauchos have covered 14 of 18 in revenge situations following a double-digit road loss and 17 of 24 at home after a road loss. They have also cashed 10 of their last 15 versus Pacific.

Third and far from last, the Tigers could still be celebrating their huge win over Utah State last Saturday. They have failed to cash nine straight off an upset win as underdogs. They have won eight straight and 'covered' 12 of 15, including five of seven on the road, but look for their streak to come to a crashing halt tonight. Santa Barbara has won its last five at home by an average of more than 17 PPG since losing to Utah State on Jan. 8.

 

[absoluteuncertainty]

Nice trends. Going to look this one over .

 

[Co-Captain]

One of the reasons why I took Pacific, had to do with the fact that Santa Barbara is really a poor FT shooting team. In fact, they are last in the league in FT%, Pacific on the other hand is #1 in the conf in FT%. HCA I agree is strong. But these two teams are #2 and #3 in Scoring def in the league behind Utah St., so I see a close defensive game. If it comes down to this, then with the poor FT shooting by UCSB and with the good FT shooting with Pacific, the 4.5 pt spread is huge. This could be a tight game till the end, and if UCSB struggles at the line, their done. The points I felt is way to much, maybe -1 or -2 , but not -5. Yes I seen some list a -5. GL though , Aloha CC.

 

[Mr.Misanthrope]

Co-Captain:

I enjoy reading your posts. You seem to have a great outlook on life and enjoy what you're doing. And it's obvious you do your homework.

 

[ivpimp]

I'm a recent alumni from there and I happen to have known a few current players there. I do not think this is a good situation for the gaucho's to cover by more then 4. Pacific is the cream of the conference and seriously wants to hold on to the #2 spot atleast to get a bye for the 1st 2 rounds of the Big West Tournament.

I wouldn't be suprised if the gaucho's win the game, YES the Thunderdome is a VERY VERY dangerous home. But they don't win by more then a basket..

 

[Co-Captain]

Is Santa Barbara the ones who use to throw the Tortilla's on the court. I saw it one time done a few years back , and I just thought that was a trip. Cant remember if it was them or another Big West team. I think it was at Cal Santa Barbara were they use to do that. Does anyone know if it is still done. Thanks CC.

 

[ivpimp]

I also agree with Co-Captains analysis of the game whole-heartedly

Another point most people don't know.

Bray Skultetty, one of UCSB's "Big Men" is out with an ACL tear..he's done for the season.


Co-Captain...Yes it WAS Santa Barbara...only happened once or twice in the last 5 years though. School and conference took major actions against it. ESPN put a 2 year ban on them for it.