It will be a contest between two sensational offenses when the Saint Mary’s Gaels (20-5, 7-3 WCC) go head-to-head with the second-ranked Gonzaga Bulldogs (24-1, 10-0 WCC) at University Credit Union Pavilion. The game starts at 10 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 8, 2020, and will air on ESPN.
Gonzaga Bulldogs vs. Saint Mary’s Gaels Betting Odds
Both teams were triumphant in their last game. The Gaels beat the San Diego Toreros 66-60, while the Bulldogs dismantled the Loyola Marymount Lions 85-67.
Gonzaga dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had an absurd free throw rate of 0.360 (above their season average of 0.267) and a turnover percentage of 16.4 (worse than their season average of 13.1). Loyola Marymount had marks of 0.127 and 22.0, respectively, for those same stats. Meanwhile, Saint Mary’s dominated nearly every facet of their game. They had a phenomenal free throw rate of 0.375 (above their season average of 0.237) and a turnover percentage of 13.9 (worse than their season average of 13.6). For those same stats, San Diego was 0.240 and 15.5, respectively. Malik Fitts put together a solid game for Saint Mary’s with 17 points and 14 rebounds. Meanwhile, Drew Timme had a good outing for Gonzaga, putting up 17 points and eight rebounds.
The Bulldogs captured this series last year, securing victories in two out of three games. In the last matchup, Saint Mary’s won 60-47. The Gaels’ 24.1 offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest strength over the Bulldogs, who had a rate of 15.6. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
This showdown pits one of the nation’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses as Saint Mary’s ranks third in offensive efficiency and Gonzaga is 28th in defensive efficiency. It will also be a showdown of conflicting styles as the quick-paced Bulldogs rank 41st in possessions per game, while the more methodical Gaels rank 310th.
Gonzaga Bulldogs at Saint Mary’s Gaels Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Gonzaga, ATS Winner – Saint Mary’s, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Gonzaga ranks 13th in rebounds per game (40.6) while Saint Mary’s ranks 254th (32.9).
- The Gaels rank first in steals allowed per game (4.0) while the Bulldogs rank 77th (6.0).
- Gonzaga averages 4.2 blocks per game, which ranks 53rd in the NCAA. Saint Mary’s ranks 76th in blocks allowed per game (3.1).
- The Bulldogs rank seventh in assists per game (17.3) while the Gaels rank 148th (13.0).
- Saint Mary’s ranks 27th in three pointers allowed per game (18.2) while Gonzaga ranks 117th (21.3).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Gaels have scored an average of 72.4 points per game (4.4 below their season average) and allowed an average of 63.0 points per game (2.4 below their season average).
- The Bulldogs’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 18.6, down from 21.3 for the season.
