Expect a defensive struggle when the third-ranked Gonzaga Bulldogs (23-2, 10-0 WCC) square off against the Loyola Marymount Lions (17-8, 5-6 WCC) at Albert Gersten Pavilion. The game starts at 11 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 14, 2019, and will air on ESPN2.
Gonzaga Bulldogs at Loyola Marymount Lions Betting Odds
Both teams were victorious in their last game. The Lions were victorious over the Portland Pilots 72-55, while the Bulldogs dismantled the Saint Mary’s Gaels 94-46.
Gonzaga dominated every stat category in the game. They had a ridiculous effective field goal percentage of 0.650 (above their season average of 0.594) and a turnover percentage of 8.0 (better than their season average of 12.7). For those same stats, Saint Mary’s was 0.267 and 14.2, respectively. The Lions, on the other hand, held the Pilots to an offensive rebounding percentage of 8.0 (below their season average of 21.6). The Pilots also had a turnover percentage of 26.0 (above their season average of 17.3). Loyola Marymount’s James Batemon played well, finishing with 28 points. Gonzaga, meanwhile, was lifted by Brandon Clarke, who put up 24 points and six rebounds.
In their first matchup this season, Zach Norvell Jr. led the Bulldogs to a 73-55 win. He was the game’s leading scorer with 17 points. Gonzaga’s effective field goal percentage was its biggest advantage over Loyola Marymount. The Bulldogs had a rate of 0.573 while the Lions posted a mark of 0.427.
Points could be at a premium in this matchup between a pair of the nation’s top defenses. Loyola Marymount currently ranks 29th in defensive efficiency (94.8) and Gonzaga is ninth (90.7). Also, the Bulldogs commit the fifth-fewest errors in the country (turnover percentage of 14.4 percent), while the pesky defense of the Lions causes the 33rd-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 22.6 percent).
Gonzaga at Loyola Marymount Free Pick
Basketball Tip: SU Winner – Gonzaga, ATS Winner – Gonzaga, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Gonzaga ranks 21st in rebounds per game (40.0) while Loyola Marymount ranks 233rd (33.3).
- The Bulldogs rank 151st in three pointers attempted per game (22.5) while the Lions rank 293rd (15.9).
- Gonzaga ranks 15th in steals allowed per game (4.8) while Loyola Marymount ranks 91st (6.0).
- The Bulldogs average 18.8 assists per game, which ranks fifth in the nation. The Lions rank 157th in assists allowed per game (13.7).
- Gonzaga ranks fifth in blocks per game (5.7) while Loyola Marymount ranks 148th (2.8).
Bettings Trends:
- The Lions’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 4.6, down from 6.1 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Bulldogs have scored an average of 92.4 points per game (1.0 above their season average) and allowed an average of 55.8 points per game (9.5 below their season average).
