The seventh-ranked Gonzaga Bulldogs (13-2) welcome the Santa Clara Broncos (9-6, 1-0 WCC) to McCarthey Athletic Center. The Bulldogs will try to continue their nine-game winning streak. The game starts at 9 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 5, 2019, and will air on ROOT SPORTS.
Santa Clara Broncos vs. Gonzaga Bulldogs Betting Odds
In their last game, the Bulldogs had no trouble getting past the Idaho State Bengals, 120-79, while the Broncos lost to the Prairie View A&M Panthers, 81-64.
Gonzaga played a perfect game. They had a free throw rate of 0.429 and a turnover percentage of 7.5. For those same stats, Idaho State recorded marks of 0.129 and 16.5, respectively. Santa Clara, meanwhile, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (47.6 vs. 29.0). Gonzaga received a boost from Rui Hachimura, who contributed 33 points. Josh Martin, meanwhile had a good game for Santa Clara, contributing 11 points and 13 rebounds.
The Bulldogs dominated this series last year, taking both contests. In the most recent contest, Gonzaga won 75-60. Gonzaga had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (32.3 vs. 15.6). Santa Clara, on the other hand, did a fantastic job of making free throws (13-18; 72.2 percent). This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
Brandon Clarke and Hachimura have been playing well over the last five games for Gonzaga. Clarke has averaged 0 points, while Hachimura has recorded 0 points a game during that span.
From an effective field goal percentage perspective, this will be a matchup of two heavyweights. The upper-echelon Gonzaga offense ranks third in the country in that metric at 0.604, while the elite Santa Clara defense is ranked 54th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.460).
Santa Clara Broncos at Gonzaga Bulldogs Betting Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Gonzaga, ATS Winner – Gonzaga, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Santa Clara ranks 14th in three pointers allowed per game (18.0) while Gonzaga ranks 177th (24.1).
- The Bulldogs rank 39th in steals allowed per game (5.3) while the Broncos rank 92nd (6.2).
- Santa Clara ranks 47th in blocks per game (4.3) while Gonzaga ranks 15th in blocks allowed per game (2.2).
- The Bulldogs rank 33rd in rebounds per game (40.3) while the Broncos rank 153rd (35.6).
- Gonzaga averages 19.3 assists per game, which ranks sixth in the NCAA. Santa Clara ranks 116th in assists allowed per game (13.0).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Broncos have scored an average of 63.6 points per game (9.9 below their season average) and allowed an average of 73.4 points per game (4.1 above their season average).
- The Bulldogs’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 24.8, up from 22.7 for the season.
