The Loyola Marymount Lions (18-10, 6-8 WCC) wrap up their home schedule at Albert Gersten Pavilion against the Santa Clara Broncos (15-13, 7-7 WCC). The game begins at 11 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 28, 2019.
Santa Clara Broncos vs. Loyola Marymount Lions Betting Odds
Both teams were triumphant in their last game. The Lions defeated the Pacific Tigers 63-56, while the Broncos barely escaped the San Francisco Dons 68-65.
Santa Clara dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had a free throw rate of 0.241 (matching their season average) and a turnover percentage of 14.0 (better than their season average of 18.9). San Francisco put up marks of 0.132 and 21.0, respectively, for those same stats. Meanwhile, Loyola Marymount’s 0.372 free throw rate was their biggest strength over Pacific, who had a rate of 0.269. The Lions’ mark was above their season average of 0.264, while the Tigers’ was below their season average of 0.316. James Batemon was a key piece for Loyola Marymount with 19 points. Meanwhile, Santa Clara was led by Josip Vrankic, who finished with 20 points and nine rebounds.
In their first matchup this year, Dameane Douglas led the Lions to a 69-61 victory. He registered a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Loyola Marymount’s 0.340 free throw rate was their biggest advantage over Santa Clara, who had a rate of 0.154.
The aggressive Loyola Marymount offense seems poised to dominate from the foul line. The Lions rank 64th in the nation with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.267, while Santa Clara ranks 235th in FTA rate allowed (0.244). Also, the Broncos’ 276th-ranked offense (offensive efficiency of 100.8) will face a difficult test against the Lions’ 40th-ranked defense (defensive efficiency of 96.1).
Santa Clara Broncos at Loyola Marymount Lions Betting Pick
Basketball Tip: SU Winner – Loyola Marymount, ATS Winner – Loyola Marymount, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Loyola Marymount ranks 63rd in steals per game (7.3) while Santa Clara ranks 238th (4.6).
- The Broncos rank 44th in blocks allowed per game (2.7) while the Lions rank 145th (3.7).
- Loyola Marymount ranks 109th in assists per game (14.0) while Santa Clara ranks 167th in assists allowed per game (13.6).
- The Lions rank sixth in rebounds allowed per game (29.2) while the Broncos rank 120th (34.1).
- Santa Clara ranks 196th in three pointers attempted per game (21.2) while Loyola Marymount ranks 304th (15.5).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Broncos have scored an average of 67.6 points per game (1.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 67.8 points per game (2.8 below their season average).
- The Lions’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 0.2, down from 5.0 for the season.
