Don’t expect a fast-paced game when the Saint Mary’s Gaels (17-4, 4-2 WCC) head to Loyola Marymount to play the Lions (8-12, 2-4 WCC). The game begins at 9 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 25, 2020.
Saint Mary’s Gaels vs. Loyola Marymount Lions ATS Odds
Both teams were victorious over their last opponent. The Lions defeated the Portland Pilots 77-65, while the Gaels beat the San Francisco Dons 58-48.
Saint Mary’s dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had a solid free throw rate of 0.277 (above their season average of 0.244) and a turnover percentage of 12.6 (better than their season average of 13.5). For those same stats, San Francisco put up marks of 0.018 and 23.3, respectively. Meanwhile, Loyola Marymount’s offensive rebounding percentage was their largest strength over Portland. The Lions had a rate of 29.6 (above their season average of 28.3), while the Pilots posted a mark of 12.5 (below their season average of 23.5). Keli Leaupepe had a solid performance for Loyola Marymount, finishing with 24 points and eight rebounds. Meanwhile, Saint Mary’s was lifted by Malik Fitts, who contributed 18 points.
The Gaels won the lone game between these two teams last year, 71-60. One of Saint Mary’s’ largest strengths was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 12-14 (85.7 percent), while the Lions were just 7-10 (70.0 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 nation’s slowest-paced teams square off. Loyola Marymount currently ranks 338th in possessions per game (65.3) and Saint Mary’s is 314th (66.5). Furthermore, the Gaels rank third in offensive efficiency (115.7), while the Lions rank 284th in defensive efficiency (103.9).
Saint Mary’s at Loyola Marymount Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Saint Mary’s, ATS Winner – Saint Mary’s, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Saint Mary’s ranks 29th in three pointers allowed per game (18.2) while Loyola Marymount ranks 219th (24.0).
- The Gaels rank 224th in rebounds per game (33.8) while the Lions rank 278th (30.8).
- The Gaels rank third in assists allowed per game (8.6) while the Lions rank 166th (13.4).
- Saint Mary’s ranks second in steals allowed per game (4.0) while Loyola Marymount ranks 77th (6.0).
Bettings Trends:
- The Lions’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 10.8, up from 1.5 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Gaels have scored an average of 77.6 points per game (0.7 above their season average) and allowed an average of 75.0 points per game (9.9 above their season average).
