Denver Pioneers vs. Gonzaga Bulldogs ATS Prediction 12/21/18

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The eighth-ranked Gonzaga Bulldogs (10-2) welcome the Denver Pioneers (5-8) to McCarthey Athletic Center. The Bulldogs will attempt to lengthen their nine-game winning streak. The game starts at 9 p.m. ET on Friday, December 21, 2018, and will air on ROOT SPORTS.

Denver Pioneers vs. Gonzaga Bulldogs Betting Odds

Both teams were triumphant in their last game. The Bulldogs easily got past the Idaho State Bengals 120-79, while the Pioneers beat the Maine Black Bears 63-50.

Denver dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had a free throw rate of 0.151 and a turnover percentage of 13.5. Maine was 0.103 and 19.3, respectively, for those same stats. The Bulldogs, on the other hand, had a much better free throw rate (0.429 vs. 0.129) and had a much better turnover percentage (7.5 vs. 16.5). Gonzaga’s Rui Hachimura led the way, finishing with 33 points. Ronnie Harrell Jr., meanwhile played a key role for Denver with 18 points and 13 rebounds.

Brandon Clarke and Hachimura have played well over the last five games for Gonzaga. Clarke has averaged 0 points, while Hachimura has put up 0 points a game during that span.

The high-powered offense of Gonzaga (first in the nation with an offensive efficiency of 124.7) will square off against the bottom-tier defense of Denver (297th in the nation with a defensive efficiency of 108.2). The Bulldogs should have the advantage on that side of the ball.

Denver vs. Gonzaga Pick

Pick: SU Winner – Gonzaga, ATS Winner – Denver, O/U – Under

Betting Notes:

  • Gonzaga ranks sixth in assists per game (19.3) while Denver ranks 152nd (12.7).
  • The Bulldogs rank 22nd in blocks per game (5.3) while the Pioneers rank 106th (3.2).
  • Gonzaga ranks 41st in steals allowed per game (5.5) while Denver ranks 80th (6.2).
  • The Bulldogs rank 32nd in rebounds per game (40.3) while the Pioneers rank 159th (35.2).
  • Gonzaga ranks 113th in three pointers attempted per game (23.2) while Denver ranks 230th in three pointers allowed per game (26.5).

Bettings Trends:

  • During their last five games, the Pioneers have scored an average of 61.4 points per game (9.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 65.0 points per game (10.1 below their season average).
  • The Bulldogs’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 24.8, up from 16.6 for the season.