The No. 5 Gonzaga Bulldogs (16-2, 3-0 WCC) welcome the Loyola Marymount Lions (13-4, 1-2 WCC) in a matchup that pits sensational offense against stifling defense. The game starts at 9 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 17, 2019, and will air on ROOT SPORTS.
Loyola Marymount Lions vs. Gonzaga Bulldogs ATS Prediction
The last time the Lions played, they were topped by the Saint Mary’s Gaels, 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). Eli Scott led Loyola Marymount in scoring with 14 points on 6-for-12 shooting.
The Bulldogs beat the San Francisco Dons in their last contest, 96-83. The Bulldogs held the Dons to an effective field goal percentage of 0.464 (below their season average of 0.540) and had a turnover percentage of 4.9 (better than their season average of 13.6). Brandon Clarke was the top scorer from either team with 24 points on 9-for-15 shooting from the field.
After the Bulldogs won all three meetings against the Lions last season, these teams will battle for the first time this year. In the last matchup, Gonzaga won 83-69. The Bulldogs had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (33.3 vs. 20.0) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.735 vs. 0.492).
The game should be a battle of strength against strength as the high-octane offense of Gonzaga (first in the NCAA with an offensive efficiency of 125.2) takes on the stingy defense of Loyola Marymount (29th in the nation with a defensive efficiency of 92.9). Furthermore, the Lions rank 45th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.284), while the Bulldogs rank 52nd in opponents’ FTA rate (0.190).
Loyola Marymount at Gonzaga Pick
Basketball Tip: SU Winner – Gonzaga, ATS Winner – Loyola Marymount, O/U – Over
Click Here to Start Betting Today!
Notes
Betting Notes:
Gonzaga ranks 34th in rebounds per game (39.9) while Loyola Marymount ranks 194th (34.5).
The Bulldogs rank 130th in three pointers attempted per game (23.0) while the Lions rank 270th (17.2).
Gonzaga ranks eighth in blocks per game (5.7) while Loyola Marymount ranks 137th (2.6).
The Bulldogs rank seventh in assists per game (18.4) while the Lions rank 123rd (13.6).
Gonzaga ranks 14th in steals allowed per game (4.8) while Loyola Marymount ranks 81st (6.0).
Bettings Trends:
The Lions have been outscored by an average of 0.6 points in their last five games. For the season, Loyola Marymount has defeated opponents by an average of 9.2 points.
During their last five games, the Bulldogs have scored an average of 87.8 points per game (4.4 below their season average) and allowed an average of 54.4 points per game (14.1 below their season average).
+++++
