WCC foes will battle when the Portland Pilots (10-18, 4-11 WCC) square off against the No. 15 Saint Mary’s Gaels (24-4, 13-2 WCC) at Earle A. Chiles Center. The Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 140 points with Saint Mary’s set as a 15.5-point favorite. Action gets underway at 10 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 17, 2018.
Saint Mary’s Gaels at Portland Pilots ATS Preview
In the Gaels last contest, they fell to the San Francisco Dons, 70-63. With 19 points on 6-for-12 shooting, Jock Landale was Saint Mary’s leading scorer. San Francisco had a free throw rate of 0.360 (above their season average of 0.196). Saint Mary’s, on the other hand, held the Dons to an offensive rebounding percentage of 18.8 (below their season average of 29.4)
The Pilots are hoping for a better outcome after their 81-72 loss to the Santa Clara Broncos in their last matchup. Marcus Shaver Jr. led Portland in scoring with 19 points on 6-for-16 shooting. Santa Clara’s offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest strength over Portland. The Broncos had a rate of 17.9 (below their season average of 22.8), while the Pilots posted a mark of 13.3 (below their season average of 21.5).
Second-chance points might be scarce for Portland in this contest. The Pilots rank 339th in offensive rebounding percentage (21.3 percent), while Saint Mary’s ranks 20th in defensive rebounding percentage (76.3 percent). Additionally, the third-ranked offense of the Gaels (offensive efficiency of 121.9) will attempt to take advantage of the 285th-ranked defense of the Pilots (defensive efficiency of 108.1).
These teams have already met once this season. The Gaels won 72-55. One of Saint Mary’s largest advantages was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 12-14 (85.7 percent), while the Pilots were just 4-9 (44.4 percent). Jordan Ford was the games leading scorer with 20 points.
Saint Mary’s Gaels at Portland Pilots Free Prediction
Prediction: SU Winner – Saint Mary’s, ATS Winner – Saint Mary’s, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- The Pilots rank 40th in blocks allowed per game (2.7) while the Gaels rank 62nd (2.9).
- Portland ranks 212th in steals per game (5.0) while Saint Mary’s ranks 232nd (4.6).
- Saint Mary’s ranks 11th in three pointers allowed per game (17.1) while Portland ranks 272nd (25.7).
- The Gaels rank first in rebounds allowed per game (27.9) while the Pilots rank 238th (37.3).
- Saint Mary’s averages 16.4 assists per game, which ranks 33rd in the nation. Portland ranks 236th in assists allowed per game (15.5).
Betting Trends:
- The Pilots average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 0.4, down from 3.9 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Gaels have scored an average of 71.0 points per game (7.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 63.0 points per game (1.8 below their season average).
