The Portland Pilots (9-14, 1-7 WCC) and the Santa Clara Broncos (17-6, 4-4 WCC) square off at Earle A. Chiles Center. The Pilots look to snap their six-game losing streak. Action starts at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 1, 2020.
Santa Clara Broncos vs. Portland Pilots ATS Odds
Both teams fell in their last matchup. The Pilots got blown out by the Saint Mary’s Gaels, 86-64, while the Broncos lost to the second-ranked Gonzaga Bulldogs, 87-72.
Santa Clara held Gonzaga to an effective field goal percentage of 0.514 (below their season average of 0.574) while Portland had a much better free throw rate (0.173 vs. 0.067). Tahirou Diabate had a solid performance for Portland, recording 18 points and six rebounds. Meanwhile, Santa Clara rallied around Josip Vrankic, who had 15 points, 12 rebounds and five assists.
The Broncos dominated this series last year, securing victories in both games. In the most recent contest, Santa Clara won 78-62. The Broncos’ 9.5 turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over the Pilots, who had a rate of 16.1. This is the first time these teams will clash this year.
It will be a battle of opposite styles as the fast-breaking Broncos (ranked 37th in the NCAA in possessions per game) will look to push the more grind-it-out Pilots (193rd in possessions per game).
Santa Clara vs. Portland Free Pick
Free Prediction: SU Winner – Santa Clara, ATS Winner – Santa Clara, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Santa Clara averages 15.9 assists per game, which ranks 25th in the NCAA. Portland ranks 241st in assists allowed per game (15.8).
- The Broncos rank 103rd in steals per game (6.8) while the Pilots rank 142nd in steals allowed per game (6.7).
- Portland ranks 32nd in blocks allowed per game (2.6) while Santa Clara ranks 69th (3.0).
- The Broncos rank 42nd in three pointers allowed per game (19.0) while the Pilots rank 240th (25.0).
- Santa Clara ranks 173rd in rebounds per game (35.0) while Portland ranks 248th (32.6).
Bettings Trends:
- The Broncos have been outscored by an average of 10.4 points in their last five games. For the season, Santa Clara has defeated opponents by an average of 6.6 points.
- During their last five games, the Pilots have scored an average of 64.0 points per game (4.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 77.0 points per game (6.8 above their season average).
