It will be a meeting between two superb defenses when the Saint Mary’s Gaels (6-1) square off against the 15th-ranked Utah State Aggies (7-0) at McKeon Pavilion. The game will air on ESPNU at 11:30 p.m. ET on Friday, November 29, 2019.
Utah State Aggies at Saint Mary’s Gaels ATS Odds
Both teams were triumphant in their last game. The Gaels won big over the Sonoma State Seawolves 107-56, while the Aggies beat the North Texas Mean Green 68-59.
The Aggies knocked down 27 of their 34 free throws (79.4 percent) and held the Mean Green to an effective field goal percentage of 0.421 (below their season average of 0.505). Meanwhile, Saint Mary’s dominated every stat category in their game. They had a phenomenal effective field goal percentage of 0.856 (above their season average of 0.546) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 31.3 (above their season average of 28.7). Sonoma State had marks of 0.448 and 17.6, respectively, for those same stats. Saint Mary’s was led by Malik Fitts, who put up 18 points and six rebounds. Justin Bean was a key piece for Utah State with 14 points and 13 rebounds.
The Aggies won the sole game between these two teams last season, 80-63. Utah State’s 0.542 effective field goal percentage was its biggest advantage over Saint Mary’s, who had a mark of 0.339.
The game should be a battle of strength against strength as the productive offense of Saint Mary’s takes on the elite defense of Utah State. Dating back to last season, the Gaels rank 13th in offensive efficiency, while the Aggies are 12th in defensive efficiency. Additionally, the Aggies have been among the NCAA’s best on the offensive backboards, ranking 46th in offensive rebounding percentage (33.0 percent). The Gaels, however, rank eighth in defensive rebounding percentage (77.0 percent).
Utah State Aggies at Saint Mary’s Gaels ATS Pick
College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Utah State, ATS Winner – Utah State, O/U – Over
Betting Notes (2018-Present):
- Utah State ranks seventh in assists per game (17.2) while Saint Mary’s ranks 304th (10.7).
- The Gaels rank seventh in steals allowed per game (4.7) while the Aggies rank 154th (6.3).
- Utah State averages 4.0 blocks per game, which is ranked 73rd in the nation. Saint Mary’s ranks 117th in blocks allowed per game (3.2).
- The Aggies rank eighth in rebounds per game (40.6) while the Gaels rank 235th (34.3).
- Saint Mary’s ranks third in three pointers allowed per game (17.0) while Utah State ranks 193rd (22.7).
