San Francisco Dons vs. Saint Mary’s Gaels Betting Prediction 01/23/20

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It will be a clash between two great offenses when the Saint Mary’s Gaels (16-4, 3-2 WCC) go head-to-head against the San Francisco Dons (14-6, 3-2 WCC) at University Credit Union Pavilion. Action gets underway at 10:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 23, 2020, and can be seen on CBS Sports Network.

San Francisco Dons vs. Saint Mary’s Gaels ATS Odds

Both teams beat their last opponent. The Gaels defeated the Pepperdine Waves 78-69, while the Dons beat the Loyola Marymount Lions 61-53.

The Dons had a much better free throw rate (0.227 vs. 0.111) and held the Lions to an effective field goal percentage of 0.435 (below their season average of 0.521). Meanwhile, Saint Mary’s’ effective field goal percentage was their largest advantage over Pepperdine. The Gaels had a rate of 0.598 (above their season average of 0.556), while the Waves posted a mark of 0.500. Saint Mary’s was led by Jordan Ford, who finished with 26 points. Meanwhile, Charles Minlend played a key role for San Francisco with 19 points.

In their first matchup this season, Malik Fitts led the Gaels to a 69-58 win. He registered a double-double with 21 points and 13 rebounds. The Gaels’ offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest strength over the Dons. Saint Mary’s had a rate of 34.3, while San Francisco posted a mark of 19.0.

This showdown figures to be a shootout as a pair of the NCAA’s best offenses square off. Saint Mary’s currently ranks third with 116.2 points per 100 possessions and San Francisco is 23rd (111.3).

San Francisco Dons at Saint Mary’s Gaels Betting Pick

Pick: SU Winner – Saint Mary’s, ATS Winner – Saint Mary’s, O/U – Over

Betting Notes:

  • San Francisco ranks 17th in three pointers attempted per game (27.9) while Saint Mary’s ranks 193rd (20.7).
  • The Gaels rank fourth in assists allowed per game (8.7) while the Dons rank 17th (9.8).
  • The Gaels rank first in steals allowed per game (4.0) while the Dons rank 75th (6.0).
  • Saint Mary’s is 12th in the nation with 30.3 rebounds allowed per game while San Francisco is 47th with 32.5 rebounds allowed per game.

Bettings Trends:

  • The Gaels’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 2.8, down from 11.8 for the season.
  • During their last five games, the Dons have scored an average of 68.6 points per game (10.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 66.8 points per game (3.6 below their season average).