The Portland Pilots (7-22, 0-14 WCC) and the Saint Mary’s Gaels (19-10, 10-4 WCC) square off at McKeon Pavilion. The Pilots will try to put an end to their 15-game losing streak. Action begins at 11 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 28, 2019.
Portland Pilots vs. Saint Mary’s Gaels Betting Odds
In their last contest, the Gaels had no trouble getting past the San Diego Toreros, 66-46, while the Pilots were beaten by the Pepperdine Waves, 86-80.
Saint Mary’s dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had a ridiculous offensive rebounding percentage of 33.3 (above their season average of 31.8) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.510 (below their season average of 0.543). San Diego was 20.0 and 0.343, respectively, for those same stats. Portland, meanwhile, made 11 of their 23 three pointers (47.8 percent). Saint Mary’s rallied around Jordan Ford, who had 21 points and six rebounds. Josh McSwiggan, meanwhile played well for Portland, recording 20 points and five rebounds.
The Gaels dominated this series last year, taking both games. In the most recent contest, Saint Mary’s won 73-61. Saint Mary’s was successful at getting and making free throws. The Gaels made 29 of their 35 free throws (82.9 percent), while the Pilots were just 10-15 (66.7 percent). This is the first time these teams will go head-to-head this year.
Saint Mary’s could have their way on the offensive side of the ball as their prolific offense goes up against one of the nation’s worst defenses. The Gaels rank 15th in offensive efficiency, while Portland ranks 313th in defensive efficiency. Additionally, the Pilots, who rank 342nd in offensive rebounding percentage (21.0 percent), could struggle to get second chance points against the Gaels, who rank 15th in defensive rebounding percentage (76.6 percent).
Portland Pilots at Saint Mary’s Gaels Free Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Saint Mary’s, ATS Winner – Saint Mary’s, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Saint Mary’s ranks seventh in rebounds allowed per game (29.3) while Portland ranks 255th (38.0).
- The Gaels rank 12th in steals allowed per game (4.8) while the Pilots rank 116th (6.3).
- Portland averages 3.9 blocks per game, which ranks 70th in the NCAA. Saint Mary’s ranks 115th in blocks allowed per game (3.4).
- The Gaels rank 26th in assists allowed per game (10.7) while the Pilots rank 256th (15.9).
- Saint Mary’s ranks fourth in three pointers allowed per game (17.0) while Portland ranks 199th (23.8).
Bettings Trends:
- The Pilots’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 14.8, up from 8.9 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Gaels have scored an average of 61.6 points per game (12.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 58.4 points per game (7.0 below their season average).
