It will be a showdown between two sensational offenses when the BYU Cougars (16-7, 5-3 WCC) go head-to-head against the Saint Mary’s Gaels (19-4, 6-2 WCC) at Marriott Center. The game starts at 10 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 1, 2020, and will air on ESPN2.
Saint Mary’s Gaels at BYU Cougars Betting Odds
Both teams thoroughly outplayed their last opponent. The Cougars defeated the Pepperdine Waves 107-80, while the Gaels beat the Portland Pilots 86-64.
The Gaels had 9 steals and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.683 (above their season average of 0.559). The Cougars, meanwhile, had a superb offensive rebounding percentage of 28.6 (above their season average of 19.8) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.739 (above their season average of 0.583). BYU was led by Jake Toolson, who put up 25 points and five assists. Malik Fitts, meanwhile led the way for Saint Mary’s, finishing with 27 points.
In their first matchup this year, Jordan Ford led the Gaels to an 87-84 victory. He put up 24 points. One of Saint Mary’s’ largest advantages was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 20-24 (83.3 percent), while the Cougars were 14-17 (82.4 percent).
This matchup figures to be a shootout as a pair of the NCAA’s premier offenses go head-to-head. BYU currently ranks seventh with 113.3 points per 100 possessions and Saint Mary’s is third (116.4). The Gaels should have an advantage in terms of ball security. They rank 11th at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 15.3 percent). Conversely, the Cougars force the 96th-fewest turnovers in the NCAA (opponents’ turnover percentage of 18.2 percent).
Saint Mary’s Gaels at BYU Cougars Free Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Byu, ATS Winner – Saint Mary’s, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- BYU ranks ninth in assists per game (17.1) while Saint Mary’s ranks 144th (13.1).
- The Cougars rank 22nd in blocks allowed per game (2.4) while the Gaels rank 65th (2.9).
- Saint Mary’s ranks 26th in three pointers allowed per game (18.3) while BYU ranks 46th (19.3).
- The Gaels rank first in steals allowed per game (4.0) while the Cougars rank 101st (6.3).
- Saint Mary’s ranks 11th in rebounds allowed per game (30.2) while BYU ranks 102nd (33.8).
Bettings Trends:
- The Gaels’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 10.2, down from 12.2 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Cougars have scored an average of 85.0 points per game (8.5 above their season average) and allowed an average of 77.0 points per game (10.9 above their season average).
