The top-ranked Gonzaga Bulldogs (14-1), the NCAA’s top scoring team, will challenge the Portland Pilots (8-7) at Earle A. Chiles Center. Action starts at 10 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 2, 2020.
Gonzaga Bulldogs at Portland Pilots Betting Odds
In their last contest, the Pilots were beaten by the Ball State Cardinals, 61-46, while the Bulldogs had no trouble getting past the Detroit Titans, 93-72.
Gonzaga dominated every facet of the game. They had a solid free throw rate of 0.262 (above their season average of 0.253) and a turnover percentage of 9.6 (better than their season average of 13.2). Detroit was 0.141 and 16.8, respectively, for those same stats. Portland, meanwhile, held Ball State to an effective field goal percentage of 0.419 (below their season average of 0.530). Portland rallied around Tahirou Diabate, who contributed 12 points and 10 rebounds. Meanwhile, Ryan Woolridge fueled Gonzaga with 21 points, eight assists and six rebounds.
The Bulldogs won the only game between these two teams last year, 89-66. Gonzaga out-rebounded Portland. The Bulldogs had 15 offensive rebounds and 41 total rebounds, while the Pilots had two and 22, respectively. This is the first time these teams will battle this year.
It could be a tough game for Portland on the offensive glass. The Pilots currently rank 324th in offensive rebounding percentage (22.6 percent), while Gonzaga ranks 36th in defensive rebounding percentage (76.5 percent). Also, the Bulldogs’ eighth-ranked offense (effective field goal percentage of 0.570) will square off against the Pilots’ 55th-ranked defense (effective field goal percentage allowed of 0.452).
Gonzaga Bulldogs vs. Portland Pilots Betting Pick
Free Prediction: SU Winner – Gonzaga, ATS Winner – Gonzaga, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Gonzaga ranks 15th in rebounds per game (41.5) while Portland ranks 227th (33.3).
- The Bulldogs average 7.5 steals per game, which ranks 74th in the country. The Pilots rank 117th in steals allowed per game (6.8).
- Gonzaga ranks 162nd in three pointers attempted per game (21.6) while Portland ranks 166th in three pointers allowed per game (23.1).
- The Bulldogs rank seventh in assists per game (17.9) while the Pilots rank 167th in assists allowed per game (13.7).
- Portland ranks 10th in blocks allowed per game (2.1) while Gonzaga ranks 80th (3.2).
Bettings Trends:
- The Bulldogs’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 16.0, down from 20.2 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Pilots have scored an average of 60.0 points per game (8.3 below their season average) and allowed an average of 72.0 points per game (6.5 above their season average).
