The Saint Mary’s Gaels (3-4) will be at home in McKeon Pavilion when they take on the California Golden Bears (2-3). The game will air on ESPNU at 10 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 1, 2018.
California Golden Bears at Saint Mary’s Gaels ATS Odds
In their last outing, the Gaels were beaten by the UC Irvine Anteaters, 80-75, while the Golden Bears beat the Santa Clara Broncos, 78-66.
The Golden Bears forced 22 turnovers and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.565 (above their season average of 0.532). Saint Mary’s, meanwhile, did a fantastic job of making free throws (18-23; 78.3 percent). Jordan Ford had a solid game for Saint Mary’s with 30 points. California, meanwhile, received a boost from Paris Austin, who had 13 points and five assists.
The Gaels won the sole contest between these two teams last year, 74-63. Converting at the free throw line was one of Saint Mary’s’ largest advantages. They were 18-21 (85.7 percent), while the Golden Bears were just 6-11 (54.5 percent).
Saint Mary’s could dominate on the offensive side of the ball as their productive offense squares off against one of the worst defenses in the NCAA. The Gaels rank fourth in offensive efficiency, while California ranks 321st in defensive efficiency since the 2017-18 season. Moreover, the Golden Bears have been among the nation’s best on the offensive backboards, ranking 60th in offensive rebounding percentage (32.9 percent). The Gaels, meanwhile, rank 11th in defensive rebounding percentage (76.8 percent).
California Golden Bears at Saint Mary’s Gaels Pick
Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Saint Mary’s, ATS Winner – Saint Mary’s, O/U – Over
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
- Saint Mary’s ranks 50th in assists allowed per game (11.6) while California ranks 297th (15.7).
- The Gaels rank first in rebounds allowed per game (28.3) while the Golden Bears rank 162nd (34.9).
- Saint Mary’s ranks ninth in three pointers allowed per game (17.5) while California ranks 164th (21.9).
- The Golden Bears rank 36th in blocks per game (4.6) while the Gaels rank 258th (2.4).
- California ranks 86th in steals per game (6.8) while Saint Mary’s ranks 284th (4.8).
