Saint Mary’s Gaels vs. BYU Cougars ATS Prediction 01/24/19

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The Saint Mary’s Gaels (13-7, 4-1 WCC) will be at the Marriott Center to challenge the BYU Cougars (12-9, 4-2 WCC) in a WCC matchup. Action gets underway at 11 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 24, 2019, and can be seen on ESPN2.

Saint Mary’s Gaels at BYU Cougars ATS Odds

In their last contest, the Cougars were blown out by the San Francisco Dons, 82-63, while the Gaels beat the San Diego Toreros, 76-59.

Saint Mary’s played a flawless game. They had a superb offensive rebounding percentage of 32.4 (above their season average of 30.1) and a free throw rate of 0.274 (above their season average of 0.231). For those same stats, San Diego recorded marks of 12.5 and 0.148, respectively. BYU, meanwhile, had a much better free throw rate (0.212 vs. 0.055). BYU’s Yoeli Childs played well, finishing with 25 points. Saint Mary’s received a boost from Malik Fitts, who put up 24 points.

In their first matchup this year, Fitts led the Gaels to an 88-66 win. He produced 18 points and nine rebounds. The Gaels’ turnover percentage was their biggest strength over the Cougars. Saint Mary’s had a rate of 9.3, while BYU posted a mark of 17.0.

This contest should be a matchup of contrasting styles. BYU has preferred to play fast (40th in possessions per game), while Saint Mary’s has been slower-paced (332nd in possessions per game). Also, the Gaels’ 13th-ranked offense (offensive efficiency of 117.1) will try to exploit the Cougars’ 271st-ranked defense (defensive efficiency of 106.1).

Saint Mary’s at BYU Free Pick

Basketball Pick: SU Winner – BYU, ATS Winner – BYU, O/U – Over

Betting Notes:

  • Saint Mary’s ranks ninth in rebounds allowed per game (29.7) while BYU ranks 205th (36.9).
  • The Gaels rank seventh in steals allowed per game (4.5) while the Cougars rank 65th (5.7).
  • BYU ranks 39th in blocks allowed per game (2.7) while Saint Mary’s ranks 88th (3.3).
  • The Cougars rank 46th in assists per game (15.7) while the Gaels rank 210th (11.8).
  • Saint Mary’s ranks fifth in three pointers allowed per game (17.0) while BYU ranks 166th (23.1).

Bettings Trends:

  • The Gaels’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 13.2, up from 11.8 for the season.
  • During their last five games, the Cougars have scored an average of 75.0 points per game (7.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 75.2 points per game (3.1 below their season average).