Santa Barbara at UC San Diego

Two of the best defensive teams in the Big West clash tonight, and Santa Barbara ranks third in points given up (65 per game) and in shooting allowed (.405), plus second at defending the 3-pointer (.314). The offense is second in field goal shooting (.474) and fourth in assist-to-turnover ratio with a four-guard attack along with 6-11 senior Kenny Pohto (12.9 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 63.4% shooting) up front. They've only been an underdog two other times this season, covering both, including a 64-61 win at Hawaii. UC San Diego is 5-2 in conference action and No. 1 in points allowed (62.8 per game). But they're on a 1-2 SU/ATS run losing to UC Riverside in their last game as a 9-point favorite along with a 60-52 loss in their last home game to Irvine as a favorite. Play Santa Barbara.