Cal State Fullerton at Cal Santa Barbara (-3) - 7:00pm Pacific - Game #785-786
UCSB's non-conference record was impressive for a number of reasons. It is the team's best start in five years, they went 5-1 in road games compared to 2-5 in non-conference road games last year, and they did much of it without two senior starters. Notably, the Gauchos won at UNLV, at San Francisco, and beat Fresno State here by 28. 5th year senior guard Cecil Brown missed the first five games of the season but has slowly been working his way back into the rotation and now is a huge luxury as the team's 6th man. Brown led the team in scoring last season and has averaged 7.8ppg in last five. Senior center Glenn Turner returned to action just two games ago. Turner is capable of being one of the top big men in the Big West. He scored 8 points, grabbed 9 boards, and blocked 5 shots in just 19 minutes vs UCR on Thursday. Guard Alex Harris (21.8ppg) is having an outstanding breakthough season and forward Chris Devine (15.8ppg, 7.2rpg) is another all-conference caliber player. I named Fullerton as my favorite to win the Big West two days ago, but after seeing Turner healthy for UCSB, I must give the nod to the Gauchos.

The knock on Fullerton this season has been their weak schedule. Heading into last game only two teams in all of Division 1 had a lower SOS rating. They have feasted on several very bad defensive teams, including two games vs non Division 1 teams, three games vs outmatched opponents (UTSA twice & Bethune Cookman), and six games vs teams who allow 45% shooting or worse (UL Lafayette twice, Eastern Washington, Cal Poly, Pepperdine, & San Jose State). UCSB is allowing just .409 (2nd in the Big West) and 66.7ppg (1st in the Big West). Tonight Fullerton will face the best defensive team outside of UCLA that they have seen all season. Fullerton only scored 54 points vs the Bruins, 35 less than their average vs all other opponents. The Titans only led by 2 with a few minutes left at Cal Poly on Thursday and now will face a more complete and talented team in UCSB. Fullerton has covered four straight games and UCSB has not covered in two straight, that is the only reason this line is less than five. UCSB must hold serve here on their home court. Give the points.

RAS Official Play: Cal Santa Barbara -3 1 UNIT


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