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NCAAB

UC Davis Aggies vs UC Riverside Highlanders

Saturday, February 21, 2026

Final Score UC Davis 78 - UC Riverside 73
Spread: Total:

Matchup Analysis

This NCAAB matchup features UC Davis Aggies (16-11 (12-3)) traveling to take on UC Riverside Highlanders (9-19 (6-6)) at SRC Arena, Riverside, CA. The UC Davis hold a clear statistical edge this season, outperforming the UC Riverside by 8.2 points per game in scoring margin. That differential will be a key factor in this matchup. UC Riverside averages 72.6 points per game, but they face a UC Davis defense that holds opponents to 75.0 PPG. The visitors' defensive prowess could limit the home team's scoring output. The UC Davis offense puts up 78.4 PPG and faces a UC Riverside defense allowing 77.4 PPG. The visitors have the offensive firepower to stay in this one. Home court advantage is worth approximately 3.5 points in NCAAB, and UC Riverside will look to leverage their home crowd. Our model projects UC Davis to win by approximately 3.1 points. The 68% confidence interval ranges from UC Riverside winning by 10 to losing by 17. Our model aligns closely with the market on this one, suggesting the oddsmakers have priced this game efficiently. Look for small edges in the total and moneyline markets to capitalize on any remaining value.

Team Comparison

UCD UC Davis
Stat
UCR UC Riverside
16-11 (12-3)
Record
9-19 (6-6)
Last 10
78.4
PPG
72.6
75.0
Opp PPG
77.4

Current Odds

Team Moneyline Spread Total
UCD UC Davis Aggies
-155 -2.5 O 149.5
UCR UC Riverside Highlanders
+130 +2.5 U 149.5
Source: Draft Kings Updated: Feb 22, 9:05 PM
Opening line: +2.5 / O/U 149.5

Model Projection

Team Moneyline Spread Total
UCD UC Davis Aggies
-137 -3.1 O 151
UCR UC Riverside Highlanders
+137 +3.1 U 151
Source: Model Updated: Feb 21, 5:08 PM

Our Picks

Spread
Pass
Model: 3.1 | Edge below threshold
Total
Pass
Model: 151 | Edge below threshold

Recent Trends

UC Riverside has struggled this season at 9-19 (6-6). The wins have been hard to come by, and the team is looking for answers on both ends of the floor. Home court advantage will be critical for any chance at pulling off an upset. UC Davis sits at 16-11 (12-3) on the season. They've been competitive in most outings but have had their share of inconsistent performances. On the road, they'll need to bring their best effort to come away with a win. When these teams meet, the home team typically has the edge given the crowd advantage and familiarity factor. The team that controls tempo and limits turnovers will likely dictate the outcome of this matchup.

Matchup Edges

UC Riverside

Advantages

  • Home court advantage and crowd support
  • Familiarity with home venue and routines

Disadvantages

  • Sub-.500 record at 9-19 (6-6) raises concerns
  • Defense allows 77.4 PPG — a vulnerability

UC Davis

Advantages

  • Potent offense averaging 78.4 PPG
  • Nothing to lose as the visiting team
  • Road underdog motivation — play with less pressure

Disadvantages

  • Playing on the road without home crowd support
  • Road fatigue and travel can impact energy levels

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