The Saint Mary’s Gaels (10-7, 1-1 WCC) and their sensational offense head to Loyola Marymount to take on the Lions (13-3, 1-1 WCC) and their stifling defense. The game gets underway at 10 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 12, 2019.
Saint Mary’s Gaels at Loyola Marymount Lions ATS Odds
Both teams were victorious in their last game. The Lions defeated the Portland Pilots 76-64, while the Gaels won big over the BYU Cougars 88-66.
The Gaels had 10 steals and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.621 (above their season average of 0.557). Loyola Marymount, on the other hand, dominated nearly every stat category in their game. They had a turnover percentage of 12.2 (better than their season average of 17.4) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 32.3 (below their season average of 34.8). For those same stats, Portland had marks of 24.0 and 20.0, respectively. Mattias Markusson put together a solid game for Loyola Marymount with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Meanwhile, Malik Fitts had a solid performance for Saint Mary’s, putting up 18 points and nine rebounds.
The Gaels dominated this series last year, emerging victorious in both games. In the most recent game, Saint Mary’s won 83-62. Saint Mary’s made six of their 14 three pointers (42.9 percent). Loyola Marymount was, meanwhile, 4-14 (28.6 percent). This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
Half-court execution will be of utmost importance when two of the country’s slowest-paced teams clash. Loyola Marymount ranks 321st in possessions per game (66.4) and Saint Mary’s is 324th (66.3). Moreover, the Gaels’ 15th-ranked offense (offensive efficiency of 117.1) will face off against the Lions’ 22nd-ranked defense (defensive efficiency of 91.2).
Saint Mary’s Gaels vs. Loyola Marymount Lions Free Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Loyola Marymount, ATS Winner – Loyola Marymount, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Saint Mary’s ranks 17th in assists allowed per game (10.1) while Loyola Marymount ranks 123rd (13.2).
- The Lions are sixth in the NCAA with 28.9 rebounds allowed per game while the Gaels are 17th with 30.6 rebounds allowed per game.
- The Gaels rank sixth in steals allowed per game (4.5) while the Lions rank 75th (6.1).
- Saint Mary’s ranks 12th in three pointers allowed per game (17.7) while Loyola Marymount ranks 77th (20.8).
Bettings Trends:
- The Gaels’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 14.8, up from 11.1 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Lions have scored an average of 67.6 points per game (3.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 65.8 points per game (5.2 above their season average).
