Expect a low-scoring game when the Saint Mary’s Gaels (14-2, 1-0 WCC) take on the Pacific Tigers (13-4, 1-0 WCC) at Spanos Center. The game gets underway at 10 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 4, 2020.
Saint Mary’s Gaels vs. Pacific Tigers Betting Odds
Both teams were victorious in their last game. The Tigers edged the Pepperdine Waves 59-56, while the Gaels beat the San Francisco Dons 69-58.
Saint Mary’s dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had an extraordinary offensive rebounding percentage of 34.3 (above their season average of 27.3) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.467 (below their season average of 0.588). San Francisco was 19.0 and 0.383, respectively, for those same stats. Meanwhile, Pacific’s effective field goal percentage was their biggest strength over Pepperdine. The Tigers had a rate of 0.489 (below their season average of 0.518), while the Waves posted a mark of 0.321 (below their season average of 0.505). Pacific’s Gary Chivichyan had a solid performance, putting up 19 points and five rebounds. Meanwhile, Malik Fitts played a key role for Saint Mary’s with 21 points and 13 rebounds.
The Gaels dominated this series last year, taking both games. In the most recent game, Saint Mary’s won 58-32. Saint Mary’s had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.542 vs. 0.229). Pacific, meanwhile, had a better free throw rate (0.208 vs. 0.125). This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
Half-court execution will be at a premium when two of the nation’s slowest-paced teams go head-to-head. Pacific ranks 329th in possessions per game (65.6) and Saint Mary’s is 343rd (64.4). Furthermore, the Gaels’ second-ranked offense (offensive efficiency of 119.1) will clash against the Tigers’ 57th-ranked defense (defensive efficiency of 90.7).
Saint Mary’s vs. Pacific Betting Pick
Basketball Tip: SU Winner – Saint Mary’s, ATS Winner – Saint Mary’s, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Saint Mary’s ranks 191st in three pointers attempted per game (20.3) while Pacific ranks 266th (16.3).
- The Tigers rank 18th in blocks allowed per game (2.2) while the Gaels rank 23rd (2.4).
- Pacific allows the fewest rebounds per game (26.8) while Saint Mary’s ranks fourth (28.7).
- The Gaels are second in the NCAA with 4.0 steals allowed per game while the Tigers are 50th with 5.7 steals allowed per game.
- Saint Mary’s allows the sixth-fewest assists per game (8.8) while Pacific ranks 14th (9.4).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Tigers have scored an average of 69.0 points per game (0.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 66.0 points per game (5.9 above their season average).
- The Gaels’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 18.8, up from 14.6 for the season.
