UC Davis Aggies vs CSUN Matadors Betting Preview
The UC Davis Aggies travel to Northridge to face the CSUN Matadors in a Big West matchup. UC Davis enters with momentum from a win over UC Riverside, while CSUN looks to bounce back after a tough loss to Hawaii. With the Matadors favored slightly at home, this contest highlights a battle between UC Davis’ efficient shooting and CSUN’s uptempo offense.
Line Movement and Odds
CSUN enters as a slight favorite, but UC Davis’ offensive balance makes this line worth monitoring. Current market:
- UC Davis Spread: +1.5 (-118)
- CSUN Spread: -1.5 (-107)
- UC Davis MoneyLine: -107
- CSUN MoneyLine: -119
- Total: 164.5 (-110)
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Matchup Breakdown
UC Davis Outlook
The Aggies average 79.7 points per game, with Nils Cooper, Niko Rocak, and Elijah Pepper leading the offense. Cooper’s 19 points vs UC Riverside highlighted his efficiency, while Rocak’s playmaking adds balance. UC Davis’ efficiency (13-8 overall record; 36.2% three-point shooting; 17.6 made free throws per game, 67th nationally) underscores their strengths. Their ability to shoot from deep and convert at the line makes them dangerous on the road.
CSUN Outlook
The Matadors average 80.4 points per game, with Larry Hughes II, Josiah Davis, and Joshua O’Garro driving production. Hughes’ 19 points vs Hawaii highlighted his scoring, while Davis’ 11 points and eight assists showcased his playmaking. CSUN’s efficiency (12-9 overall record; 8-3 at home; 41.8 rebounds per game, 22nd nationally) underscores their strengths. Their ability to push tempo (72.2 possessions per game, 59th nationally) makes them tough to beat at home.
Key Factors
This matchup may hinge on pace and free-throw shooting. UC Davis thrives on Cooper’s scoring and Rocak’s playmaking, while CSUN must rely on Davis’ tempo and O’Garro’s consistency to tilt the game. Execution in the final minutes will likely decide the margin.
Injuries / Availability
UC Davis: The Aggies report no fresh injury concerns heading into Thursday’s contest.
CSUN: The Matadors are expected to have their full rotation available.
Environment
Premier America Credit Union Arena has been a reliable venue for CSUN, where they’ve gone 8-3 this season. UC Davis, however, has shown resilience on the road, making this a clash of home dominance versus visiting efficiency.
Best Bets and Prediction
Projected Final Score: UC Davis 81, CSUN 80
- UC Davis +1.5 → Best Bet. Their offensive balance and free-throw efficiency suggest they can cover the spread.
- Under 164.5 → Total play. Both teams’ pace points toward a combined score below the line.
UC Davis’ depth and shooting should carry them to victory, while CSUN’s home-court energy keeps the spread in play. Expect a competitive contest with totals landing just under the posted number.
Handicappers and Service Plays
Big West games often create unique betting opportunities. Our Best Handicappers spotlight experts who consistently read market trends, while the Leaderboard highlights who’s riding hot streaks. Premium insights in Buy Picks provide deeper reasoning behind each wager. For contests like UC Davis vs CSUN, expert perspectives can help identify sharp angles in spreads and totals.


