Don’t expect a fast-paced game when the Saint Mary’s Gaels (9-2) visit California to take on the Golden Bears (6-4). Action begins at 10:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 14, 2019, and can be seen on Pac-12 Network.
Saint Mary’s Gaels vs. California Golden Bears Betting Odds
In their last game, the Golden Bears defeated the Fresno State Bulldogs, 69-63, while the Gaels were beaten by the 19th-ranked Dayton Flyers, 78-68.
California dominated nearly every facet of the contest. They had a great turnover percentage of 9.4 (better than their season average of 20.1) and a free throw rate of 0.300 (above their season average of 0.276). Fresno State was 15.8 and 0.214, respectively, for those same stats. Saint Mary’s, meanwhile, did a fantastic job of making free throws (15-19; 78.9 percent). Matt Bradley had a good game for California, recording 24 points. Saint Mary’s, meanwhile, received a boost from Malik Fitts, who had 21 points and eight rebounds.
The Gaels won the sole game between these two teams last season, 84-71. Saint Mary’s’ 0.730 effective field goal percentage was its biggest advantage over California, who had a rate of 0.509. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
Half-court execution will be at a premium when a pair of the NCAA’s slowest-paced teams go head-to-head. California ranks 322nd in possessions per game (65.7) and Saint Mary’s is 343rd (63.6). Ball protection should be an advantage for the Gaels. They rank 25th at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 15.9 percent). Conversely, the Golden Bears force the 29th-fewest turnovers in the nation (opponents’ turnover percentage of 16.7 percent).
Saint Mary’s vs. California Betting Pick
Pick: SU Winner – California, ATS Winner – California, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Saint Mary’s ranks 11th in three pointers allowed per game (18.1) while California ranks 178th (23.2).
- The Golden Bears rank first in steals allowed per game (3.7) while the Gaels rank 14th (4.2).
- The Gaels rank eighth in rebounds allowed per game (28.2) while the Golden Bears rank 102nd (34.1).
- Saint Mary’s ranks 21st in assists allowed per game (9.0) while California ranks 81st (11.8).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Gaels have scored an average of 78.4 points per game (3.8 above their season average) and allowed an average of 64.4 points per game (2.5 above their season average).
- The Golden Bears’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 7.2, up from 2.7 for the season.
