It will be a battle between WCC opponents when the BYU Cougars (12-9, 4-2 WCC) welcome the Saint Mary’s Gaels (13-7, 4-1 WCC) to the Marriott Center. The game will air on ESPN2 at 11 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 24, 2019.
Saint Mary’s Gaels vs. BYU Cougars Betting Prediction
In the Gaels’ last outing, they topped the San Diego Toreros, 76-59. The Gaels held the Toreros to an offensive rebounding percentage of 12.5 (below their season average of 26.9). The Toreros had a free throw rate of 0.148 (below their season average of 0.235). Saint Mary’s was led by Malik Fitts, who was the game’s high scorer with 24 points on 8-for-15 shooting.
The Cougars were blown out by the San Francisco Dons in their last contest, 82-63. San Francisco’s 31.8 offensive rebounding percentage was their largest advantage over BYU, who had a rate of 15.6. The Dons’ mark was above their season average of 31.4, while the Cougars’ was below their season average of 24.6. BYU’s Yoeli Childs had a good performance, leading both teams in scoring with 25 points on 9-for-21 shooting.
This is the second game of the season between these two teams. In the first, Fitts recorded 18 points and nine rebounds and the Gaels beat the Cougars 88-66. The Gaels’ 9.3 turnover percentage was their largest strength over the Cougars, who had a mark of 17.0.
Contrasting styles will be on display in this showdown. BYU prefers to play up-tempo (40th in possessions per game), while Saint Mary’s is methodical (332nd in possessions per game). Furthermore, the Gaels rank 13th in offensive efficiency (117.1), while the Cougars rank 271st in defensive efficiency (106.1).
Saint Mary’s vs. BYU Odds Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Saint Mary’s, ATS Winner – Saint Mary’s, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Saint Mary’s ranks ninth in rebounds allowed per game (29.7) while BYU ranks 205th (36.9).
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).
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).
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).
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