Long Beach State Beach vs UC Riverside Highlanders Picks and Predictions for Thursday January 29 2026
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The Long Beach State Beach travel to SRC Arena to take on the UC Riverside Highlanders on Thursday night, January 29, 2026. Tipoff is scheduled for 10:00 PM, and the game will be broadcast on ESPN+. The moneyline is evenly priced, with both Long Beach State and UC Riverside listed at -110. The total for the game is set at 146.5 points, with the over priced at -105 and the under at -115, while Long Beach State is favored by 1.5 points. Before breaking down the matchup, be sure to check out our free college basketball picks for more NCAA basketball betting insight.
Beach Looking to Build Momentum on the Road
Long Beach State enters this matchup with an 8-13 overall record and has shown signs of improvement in recent games. The Beach have won three of their last five contests, recently defeating UC Riverside, Cal State Bakersfield, and Cal State Northridge, while dropping close games to UC Santa Barbara and Cal State Fullerton during that span.
Offensively, Long Beach State is averaging 75.0 points per game while allowing 76.6 points per game on the defensive end. They are shooting 46% from the field and rely on balanced scoring to stay competitive, especially when playing at a steady pace.
One positive for the Beach has been their defensive activity. Long Beach State averages 7.1 steals per game and 2.9 blocks, helping them create extra possessions and disrupt opposing offenses, which has played a role in their recent success.
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Highlanders Trying to Hold Serve at Home
UC Riverside comes into Thursday night with a 7-14 overall record and has struggled to find consistency. The Highlanders have lost four of their last five games, with recent losses coming against UC Davis, UC Irvine, Long Beach State, and UC San Diego, while their lone win in that stretch was against Cal State Fullerton.
The Highlanders are averaging 71.5 points per game while allowing 77.8 points per contest. They shoot 44% from the field and often need to control tempo to remain competitive, particularly against teams that can push the pace.
Defensively, UC Riverside has shown some strength protecting the rim, averaging 4.0 blocks per game. However, their difficulty closing out games and limiting scoring runs has made it challenging to protect leads or stay within reach late.
Long Beach State Beach vs UC Riverside Highlanders Pick
Beach vs Highlanders Pick
- Long Beach State -1.5
Long Beach State’s recent form and defensive activity give them a slight edge in this matchup. Having already beaten UC Riverside recently, the Beach appear better positioned to control pace and create separation late in another close contest.
Beach vs Highlanders Total Pick
- Under 146.5
I’m taking the under here. Both teams have struggled defensively at times, but this matchup profiles as a slower-paced conference game where possessions are more deliberate. With both offenses averaging in the low-to-mid 70s, the under offers value.
Final Score Prediction:Long Beach State Beach 74, UC Riverside Highlanders 69
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