The Sacramento State Hornets (1-6), who are currently on a five-game losing streak, will try to get back in the win column when they head to McKeon Pavilion to meet the Saint Mary’s Gaels (6-2). The Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 138.5 points with Saint Mary’s opening as a 25-point favorite. Action begins at 10:05 p.m. ET on Monday, December 4, 2017.
Sacramento State Hornets vs. Saint Mary’s Gaels Betting Preview
The Hornets lost to the Saint Joseph’s Hawks in their last game, 74-69. Justin Strings put together a solid performance for Sacramento State, leading the team in scoring with 20 points on 7-for-16 shooting. Saint Joseph’s did a fantastic job of converting from the charity stripe (25-33; 75.8 percent). Sacramento State, meanwhile, had an effective field goal percentage of 0.509 (above their season average of 0.453).
In the Gaels last game, they topped the California Golden Bears, 74-63. Saint Mary’s rallied around Jordan Ford, who finished with 17 points and six rebounds. Saint Mary’s played a perfect game. They had an absurd free throw rate of 0.353 (above their season average of 0.226) and a turnover percentage of 13.0 (worse than their season average of 10.5). For those same stats, California was 0.113 and 17.2, respectively.
Saint Mary’s could dominate on the offensive side of the ball as their high-octane offense squares off against one of the nation’s worst defenses. Since last season, the Gaels rank fourth in offensive efficiency, while Sacramento State ranks 279th in defensive efficiency. Furthermore, second chance points could be few and far between for the Hornets. They rank 259th in the nation in offensive rebounding percentage at 27.5 percent, while the Gaels have been second-best on the defensive glass (defensive rebounding percentage of 77.8 percent).
Of Sacramento State’s 6 games that accepted bets, four have finished under the projected point total, while 3 of Saint Mary’s 6 games have finished over the projected point total. The Gaels hold the substantial advantage straight up (SU) (6-2 vs. 1-6), but the Hornets have been better against the spread (ATS) (4-2 vs. 2-4).
Sacramento State Hornets at Saint Mary’s Gaels Odds Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Saint Mary’s, ATS Winner – Sacramento State, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Gaels rank 41st in steals allowed per game (5.2) while the Hornets rank 151st (6.2).
- Saint Mary’s is 43rd in the NCAA with 2.7 blocks allowed per game while Sacramento State is 49th with 2.8 blocks allowed per game.
- Saint Mary’s ranks first in rebounds allowed per game (26.9) while Sacramento State ranks 192nd (35.5).
- The Gaels rank second in assists allowed per game (9.5) while the Hornets rank 191st (13.7).
- Saint Mary’s ranks 170th in three pointers attempted per game (21.2) while Sacramento State ranks 315th (16.8).
