UC Davis vs UC Santa Barbara Picks and Predictions for Thursday, January 8, 2026

By: Cameron Ross Published 01/08/2026, 01:15 AM ET

UC Davis vs UC Santa Barbara Information

The UC Davis Aggies end a long homestand Thursday night with a game in Santa Barbara, CA, at 9:00 PM against the UC Santa Barbara Gauchos. UC Davis has eight wins and six losses this season, having lost two of the last three following a 2-point home loss in their last outing to end a three-game winning streak. The UC Santa Barbara Gauchos return home Thursday night with nine wins through 15 games played, having dropped four of the last five, including two in a row after a nine-point road loss. Stay in the news with our College Basketball Picks.

UC Davis Preview

The UC Davis Aggies offense has been stout this season, scoring 80.4 points on 47% shooting from the floor. Defensively, UC Davis is allowing 75.2 points per game through 14 games, but has allowed an average of 80 points per game in their last two losses. Connor Sevilla leads the UC Davis offense this season, averaging 14.5 points per game. Nils Cooper is second, averaging 14.3 points, and Isaiah Chappell averages a third-best 10.6 points per game. Niko Rocak averages 9.4 points and leads the team, pulling in 5.4 rebounds per game.

UC Santa Barbara Preview

The UC Santa Barbara Gauchos offense has averaged 70.7 points per game this season on 47% from the floor, but the Gauchos have averaged only 66.5 points over their last four losses. Defensively, UC Santa Barbara is allowing 73.3 points per game this season, but has given up an average of 84.5 points per game during their current 2-game losing streak. Aidan Mahaeny leads the UC Santa Barbara offense this season, averaging 14.9 points and 2.8 assists per game. Miro Little averages 11.7 points but has played just nine times this season. Colin Smith averages 11.1 points, and CJ Shaw is 4th on the team, averaging 10.9 points per game. Zion Sensley averages 10.3 points and leads the team, pulling in 7.7 rebounds per contest.

UC Davis vs UC Santa Barbara Prediction

Both teams have been mediocre thus far this season as each is hovering just above 500. UC Santa Barbara is the better overall team, and it will show Thursday night. Look for the Gauchos to end their recent skid Thursday night at home as they pull off the winning cover against UC Davis. Take UC Santa Barbara to use the better defense and their home fans to carry the load, leading to the win and cover. Final Score Prediction, UC Santa Barbara Gauchos win and cover 83-74.

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Best Picks:

UC Santa Barbara Gauchos -3.5
Over 149.5

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