It will be a battle between WCC opponents when the Saint Mary’s Gaels (11-7, 2-1 WCC) welcome the Santa Clara Broncos (10-8, 2-2 WCC) to McKeon Pavilion. The game is scheduled to start at 11 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 17, 2019.
Santa Clara Broncos at Saint Mary’s Gaels Betting Prediction
In the Broncos’ last contest, they were beaten by the BYU Cougars, 80-74. BYU’s offensive rebounding percentage was their largest advantage over Santa Clara. The Cougars had a rate of 33.3 (above their season average of 24.2), while the Broncos posted a mark of 20.0 (below their season average of 25.4). Santa Clara’s Josip Vrankic played well, putting up 16 points and 10 rebounds.
The Gaels were victorious over the Loyola Marymount Lions in their last contest, 71-60. The Gaels knocked down 12 of their 14 free throws (85.7 percent) and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 36.0 (above their season average of 29.2). With 10 points and 10 rebounds, Saint Mary’s’ Jordan Hunter played well.
Saint Mary’s could put on a ball-control clinic in this matchup. Saint Mary’s ranks 17th in the nation at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 15.4 percent), while Santa Clara forces the 20th-fewest turnovers (15.5 percent). Additionally, put-back points could be rare for the Broncos. They rank 294th in the nation in offensive rebounding percentage at 25.1 percent, while the Gaels are 47th-best on the defensive glass (defensive rebounding percentage of 75.3 percent).
After the Gaels won both matchups against the Broncos last season, these teams will clash for the first time this year. In the last game, Saint Mary’s won 67-40. The Gaels had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.520 vs. 0.265) and had a better turnover percentage (15.9 vs. 19.2).
Santa Clara Broncos at Saint Mary’s Gaels ATS Pick
Free Basketball Tip: SU Winner – Saint Mary’s, ATS Winner – Santa Clara, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Saint Mary’s ranks 13th in rebounds allowed per game (30.1) while Santa Clara ranks 123rd (34.8).
Bettings Trends:
The Broncos have been outscored by an average of 5.2 points in their last five games. For the season, Santa Clara has defeated opponents by an average of 0.9 points.
During their last five games, the Gaels have scored an average of 74.8 points per game (2.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 63.6 points per game (2.6 below their season average).
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