The Santa Clara Broncos (10-8, 2-2 WCC) will be at McKeon Pavilion to go head-to-head with the Saint Mary’s Gaels (11-7, 2-1 WCC) in a WCC matchup. Action begins at 11 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 17, 2019.
Santa Clara Broncos at Saint Mary’s Gaels ATS Odds
In their last matchup, the Gaels beat the Loyola Marymount Lions, 71-60, while the Broncos fell to the BYU Cougars, 80-74.
Saint Mary’s dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had a great free throw rate of 0.250 (above their season average of 0.218) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 36.0 (above their season average of 29.2). Loyola Marymount put up marks of 0.137 and 24.0, respectively, for those same stats. Santa Clara, meanwhile, had a turnover percentage of 12.8 (better than their season average of 18.8). Jordan Hunter fueled Saint Mary’s with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Meanwhile, Josip Vrankic led the way for Santa Clara, recording 16 points and 10 rebounds.
The Gaels dominated this series last year, emerging victorious in both games. In the last game, Saint Mary’s won 67-40. Saint Mary’s’ effective field goal percentage was its largest advantage over Santa Clara. The Gaels had a rate of 0.520 while the Broncos posted a mark of 0.265. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
Saint Mary’s should be expected to protect the ball well in this contest. Saint Mary’s ranks 17th in the country at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 15.4 percent), while Santa Clara forces the 20th-fewest turnovers (15.5 percent). Furthermore, the Broncos, who rank 294th in offensive rebounding percentage (25.1 percent), might struggle to get second chance points against the Gaels, who rank 47th in defensive rebounding percentage (75.3 percent).
Santa Clara Broncos vs. Saint Mary’s Gaels Betting Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Saint Mary’s, ATS Winner – Saint Mary’s, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Saint Mary’s ranks 26th in assists allowed per game (10.6) while Santa Clara ranks 146th (13.8).
- The Broncos rank 42nd in blocks allowed per game (2.7) while the Gaels rank 82nd (3.2).
- Saint Mary’s ranks 10th in three pointers allowed per game (17.3) while Santa Clara ranks 18th (18.4).
- The Gaels rank fifth in steals allowed per game (4.4) while the Broncos rank 122nd (6.7).
- Saint Mary’s ranks 13th in rebounds allowed per game (30.1) while Santa Clara ranks 123rd (34.8).
Bettings Trends:
- The Broncos have been outscored by an average of 5.2 points in their last five games. For the season, Santa Clara has defeated opponents by an average of 0.9 points.
- During their last five games, the Gaels have scored an average of 74.8 points per game (2.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 63.6 points per game (2.6 below their season average).
