CS Fullerton vs. Long Beach State Prediction and Odds (Trust Defense In Tournament Final)

The Big West Conference Tournament final features the Long Beach State Beach and the Cal-State Fullerton Titans. It is the first time the rival schools have faced off in the tournament final in more than 40 years. The Beach barely made it to this game after dropping a buzzer-beater to take out UC Santa Barbara. Their defense did not play well and the difference was a late run that sealed the game. The Beach actually had to go on two runs when they were down 11 points after they gave the points right back.

The Titans, on the other hand, had a much easier time against Hawaii in the semifinals and came away with a 58-46 victory. Here are the odds for the Big West conference final, courtesy of WynnBET Sportsbook.

CS Fullerton vs. Long Beach State Odds, Spread, and Total

Spread:

• CS Fullerton -1.5 (-110)
• Long Beach State +1.5 (-110)

Moneyline:

• CS Fullerton -130
• Long Beach State +110

Total: 136.5 (Over -110/Under -110)

CS Fullerton vs. Long Beach State Prediction and Pick

Despite having to come back twice against Santa Barbara, Long Beach's defense is playing better. They held the Gauchos to 64 points and CSU Bakersfield to 61 in the game before. This is doubly impressive when you realize that the Gauchos average 71.5 points per game. LB State was even underdogs to UCSB. Needless to say, they covered both of those games. But how will they fare tonight against a talented Titans squad? 

Well, they have the defense to slow down the Beach, but I worry their offense will be ineffective here. The Titans average a healthy 68.8 points per game, but struggle from behind the arc and don’t actually shoot as often as they probably should. This game is too hard for me to pick a side as there are a lot of reasons to fade both teams. Therefore I’m going to trust the defenses and take the under 136.5 here.  

Pick: UNDER 136.5 (-110)

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