BYU Cougars vs. Gonzaga Bulldogs ATS Prediction 02/23/19

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The second-ranked Gonzaga Bulldogs (26-2, 13-0 WCC) close out their home schedule at McCarthey Athletic Center against the BYU Cougars (18-11, 10-4 WCC). The game starts at 10 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 23, 2019, and will air on ESPN.

BYU Cougars vs. Gonzaga Bulldogs Betting Odds

In their last contest, the Bulldogs easily got past the Pepperdine Waves, 92-64, while the Cougars were beaten by the San Francisco Dons, 77-71.

Gonzaga dominated nearly every facet of the contest. They had a free throw rate of 0.169 (below their season average of 0.284) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.695 (above their season average of 0.594). For those same stats, Pepperdine put up marks of 0.074 and 0.434, respectively. BYU, on the other hand, did a great job of getting and making free throws (19-26; 73.1 percent). Brandon Clarke had a good outing for Gonzaga, recording 16 points, 11 rebounds and five blocks. Meanwhile, BYU rallied around Yoeli Childs, who finished with 28 points and 14 rebounds.

In their first matchup this season, Clarke led the Bulldogs to a 93-63 victory. He was the game’s leading scorer with 23 points. Gonzaga launched 20 three pointers, making 10 of them (50.0 percent). BYU was, on the other hand, 6-21 (28.6 percent).

This matchup figures to be a shootout as a pair of the country’s top offenses face off. Gonzaga ranks first with 126.5 points per 100 possessions and BYU is 52nd (111.5). Also, the Cougars are among the nation’s best at getting to the line, ranking 30th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.284). The Bulldogs, meanwhile, rank 29th in opponents’ FTA rate (0.183).

BYU at Gonzaga Odds Pick

College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Gonzaga, ATS Winner – BYU, O/U – Over

Betting Notes:

  • Gonzaga ranks 26th in rebounds per game (39.5) while BYU ranks 210th in rebounds allowed per game (36.1).
  • The Bulldogs rank 18th in steals allowed per game (5.0) while the Cougars rank 63rd (5.6).
  • The Bulldogs rank fifth in assists per game (18.6) while the Cougars rank 158th in assists allowed per game (13.5).
  • Gonzaga ranks fourth in blocks per game (5.6) while BYU ranks 123rd (3.2).

Bettings Trends:

  • During their last five games, the Bulldogs have scored an average of 86.0 points per game (4.3 below their season average) and allowed an average of 59.8 points per game (5.3 below their season average).
  • The Cougars’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 10.6, up from 4.6 for the season.