Saint Mary’s Gaels betting odds line spread pick predictions best bets

Merrimack at Saint Mary’s odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Merrimack at Saint Mary’s odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Merrimack Warriors (5-7) and the Saint Mary’s Gaels (9-2) meet Thursday at the University Credit Union Pavilion in Moraga, Calif. Tip-off is set for 10 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college basketball odds around the Merrimack vs. Saint Mary’s odds, and make our expert college basketball picks and predictions.

Merrimack suffered a 74-68 loss at the Stanford Cardinal on Tuesday, although the Warriors covered as a 15.5-point underdog. The Warriors have covered in 4 of the past 5 contests. The Over (135) cashed, and the Over and Under have alternated in the past 5 games. The Over is 5-2 in the past 7 outings.

Saint Mary’s lost 67-65 in OT against the Boise State Broncos Saturday at the Mountain American Center in Idaho Falls on a neutral-floor game. SMC is 4-0 straight up (SU) in 4 games against Quad 4 opponents, but the Gaels are 0-4 against the spread (ATS) in those games while the Over is 3-1. However, the Under is 5-1 in the past 6 games for Saint Mary’s.

– Rankings: USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll

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Merrimack at Saint Mary’s odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college basketball odds. Lines last updated at 10:12 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Merrimack +1500 (bet $100 to win $1,500) | Saint Mary’s -5000 (bet $5,000 to win $100)
Against the spread: Merrimack +20.5 (-110) | Saint Mary’s -20.5 (-110)
Over/Under: 129.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Merrimack at Saint Mary’s picks and predictions

Prediction

Saint Mary’s 77, Merrimack 59

Moneyline

Saint Mary’s (-5000) will cost you 50 times your potential return, which is obviously way too much risk for not nearly enough reward. In fact, you must risk $100 for every $2 of profit. That’s ridiculous, and not a recommended long-term betting strategy.

PASS, and look to the spread instead.

Against the spread

PLAY MERRIMACK +20.5 (-110) catching this massive amount of points in Moraga.

The Warriors have managed to cover 4 of the past 5 games, and it is 3-1 ATS in the past 4 games as a double-digit underdog, including a straight up win at Troy Nov. 29 as an 11-point underdog.

Saint Mary’s -20.5 (-115) is just 1-3 ATS in the past 4 games, while going 3-7 ATS in 10 games this season.

Over/Under

OVER 129.5 (-110) is a strong play in this battle out west.

The Gaels have cashed low in 5 of the past 6 games, as SMC struggles to score, while locking it down defensively. Saint Mary’s has scored 76.2 PPG while hitting just 31.4% from behind the 3-point line. The Gaels have allowed just 63.4 PPG, while teams are hitting just 38.8% from the field.

For Merrimack, the Over is 5-2 in the past 7 games. However, the Warriors have really struggled offensively, going for 63.3 PPG, among the worst marks in the nation, while hitting just 41.1% from the field and 30.1% from behind the 3-point line.

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March Madness: Grand Canyon vs. Saint Mary’s odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s Grand Canyon vs. Saint Mary’s odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Grand Canyon Antelopes (29-4) and Saint Mary’s Gaels (26-7) meet Friday for an NCAA Tournament 1st-round game. Tip-off from the Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena is scheduled for approximately 10:05 p.m. ET (truTV). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Grand Canyon vs. Saint Mary’s odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

The Antelopes racked up a pair of wins and covers against Seattle and UT Arlington in the WAC Tournament, covering both times as 6-point favorites. GRC has won and covered 5 in a row in since back-to-back losses to Tarleton State and Abilene Christian Feb. 22-24. The Over has cashed in 2 in a row, while going 5-3 in the past 8 outings.

The Gaels — who are No. 15 in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll — topped Santa Clara (semifinal) and Gonzaga (title game) in the WCC Tournament, covering both times while splitting the total. Saint Mary’s has won 18 of the past 19 games, with only a 13-point setback at home in Moraga, Calif., against the Zags in the regular-season finale. SMC is 8-2 against the spread (ATS) in the past 10 games, and 12-4 ATS in the past 16 outings.

This is the 1st meeting between these teams since March 1, 2016, when Saint Mary’s won 73-64 at home.

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Grand Canyon vs. Saint Mary’s odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook’s; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:24 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Grand Canyon +200 (bet $100 to win $200) | Saint Mary’s -250 (bet $250 to win $100)
Against the spread: Grand Canyon +5.5 (-110) | Saint Mary’s -5.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 131.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Grand Canyon vs. Saint Mary’s picks and predictions

Prediction

Saint Mary’s 74, Grand Canyon 62

Moneyline

Saint Mary’s (-250) will cost 2½ times the potential return. It could be a struggle initially before talent takes over and the Gaels pull away in the second half.

Backing the ML at this price is too risky to play Saint Mary’s straight up, however, or even as part of a multi-team parlay without any boosts.

PASS, and focus on the spread instead.

Against the spread

SAINT MARY’S -5.5 (-110) is a tremendous play laying less than 3 buckets.

This is a team which has spent a majority of the season in the Top 25, and with the exception for a loss to Gonzaga in the regular-season finale, it was rather perfect since the holidays. Plus, that Gonzaga game was rather meaningless since Saint Mary’s already had the WCC regular-season title wrapped up.

Grand Canyon did score a win at San Diego State against the defending national runner-up back in early December. However, this is a team which dropped consecutive games to Tarleton State and Abilene Christian just a few weeks ago, and it went just 4-3 in the final 7 regular-season games. The Antelopes have been a sexy upset pick, but make no mistake, the Gaels are for real, and will blow past GRC.

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Over/Under

OVER 131.5 (-105) might be the best play on the board in this final game of the Friday slate.

The Antelopes averaged 84.5 points per game in their 2 WAC Tourney games, while allowing 73.0 PPG. This team has a powerful offense, but the 3-point shooting can be rather erratic. Defensively, the Antelopes are very good, and that’s what will keep them in the game, at least early on.

Saint Mary’s rolled up 76 or more points in 6 of the past 9 outings, while cashing the Over at a 5-2 clip in the past 7 games. The Gaels are gifted offensively, going for 74.3 PPG, while hitting shots at a 46.7% pace from the field. Defensively, the Gaels are very good, and the Antelopes will have a tough time. Still, the total is rather low, and the Over should just come in late.

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WCC Tournament: Gonzaga vs. Saint Mary’s odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s Gonzaga vs. Saint Mary’s odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Gonzaga Bulldogs (25-6) and Saint Mary’s Gaels (25-7) meet in the West Coast Conference (WCC) Championship Game Tuesday at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas. Tip-off is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET (ESPN/ESPN+). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Gonzaga vs. Saint Mary’s odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

Second-seeded Gonzaga started slow against San Francisco in the semifinals, but the Bulldogs pulled away in the 2nd half for an 89-77 win over the Dons to cover the 9.5-point number as the Over (150) easily cashed. The Zags have won 9 games in a row, with the last loss coming Feb. 3 against the Gaels in Spokane.

First-seeded Saint Mary’s roughed up Santa Clara 79-65 Monday to cover an 11-point number as the Over (135.5) comfortable cashed. SMC has covered 7 of the past 9 outings, while the Over is on a 5-1 run.

Gonzaga exacted a little revenge on Saint Mary’s in the regular-season finale in Moraga, covering as a 3.5-point underdog in a 70-57 win as the Under (142) cashed.

Gonzaga is No. 15 and Saint Mary’s is No. 20 in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.

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Gonzaga vs. Saint Mary’s odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:06 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Gonzaga -145 (bet $145 to win $100) | Saint Mary’s +120 (bet $100 to win $120)
Against the spread: Gonzaga -2.5 (-110) | Saint Mary’s +2.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 139.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Gonzaga vs. Saint Mary’s picks and predictions

Prediction

Gonzaga 71, Saint Mary’s 66

Moneyline

GONZAGA (-145) is worth a look as a moderate favorite in Vegas. For a time, it appears Mark Few’s bunch was on the bubble for the NCAA Tournament. However, the Bulldogs have rattled off 9 straight wins, and it likely won’t matter if it wins or loses despite a 3-5 SU record in Quad 1 games. One of those wins came against Saint Mary’s (+120) in the regular-season finale.

Against the spread

GONZAGA -2.5 (-110) is worth playing, as it simply needs to win by 3, and it’s substantially cheaper than the moneyline. The Bulldogs have covered 3 in a row, while going 6-3 against the spread (ATS) in the past 9 outings.

Saint Mary’s +2.5 (-110) has covered just once in the past 4 meetings, and it is 3-6-1 ATS across the past 10 meetings. These teams met in the WCC Tournament last season, with Gonzaga routing Saint Mary’s 77-51. It might not be that lopsided, but until it falls, the Zags are still the king of the WCC.

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Over/Under

UNDER 139.5 (-110) is the lean, but go with a half-unit at most.

The total cashed in each of the regular-season meetings, while also cashing in last season’s tournament game.

Saint Mary’s has cashed the Over in 5 of the past 6 games, but the only Under came in the regular-season finale against Gonzaga. There is risk going low, so be careful.

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WCC Tournament: Santa Clara vs. Saint Mary’s odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Monday’s Santa Clara vs. Saint Mary’s odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The No. 21 Saint Mary’s Gaels (24-7) and the Santa Clara Broncos (20-12) battle in a West Coast Conference semifinal Monday. Tip from Orleans Arena in Las Vegas is set for 9 p.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Santa Clara vs. Saint Mary’s odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

Saint Mary’s is No. 21 in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll (a new poll will be released Monday afternoon). The Gaels are the No. 1 seed in this tournament despite losing to the Gonzaga Bulldogs 70-57 in their regular-season finale March 2.

The Gaels, who were 3.5-point home favorite in that loss, finished 15-1 in WCC play, while the Bulldogs took 2nd at 14-3. Prior to that defeat, Saint Mary’s won 16 in a row, included 2 wins over Santa Clara.

Saint Mary’s beat Santa Clara by 34 (73-49), covering as a 6.5-point road favorite Jan. 13, and by 5 (82-77), failing to cover as a 13.5-point home fave Jan. 31. The Gaels are 16-13 ATS on the season. G Aidan Mahaney averages a team-high 13.7 points per game (PPG).

Santa Clara, the No. 4 seed in the WCC Tourney, beat the San Diego Toreros 104-79 Saturday in a quarterfinal, covering as an 11.5-point favorite. The Broncos has covered in 6 of their last 8 and are 6-1-1 ATS in that span. They are 17-11-2 ATS on the season.

Santa Clara has won 5 of its last 7 games. G Adama Bal leads the Broncos in scoring at 14.8 PPG.

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Santa Clara vs. Saint Mary’s odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 5:58 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Santa Clara +375 (bet $100 to win $375) | Saint Mary’s -500 (bet $500 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Santa Clara +9.5 (-114) | Saint Mary’s -9.5 (-106)
Over/Under (O/U): 134.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

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Santa Clara vs. Saint Mary’s picks and predictions

Prediction

Saint Mary’s 68, Santa Clara 64

Moneyline

PASS.

The Gaels are the better team and dominated the Broncos on the road earlier in the season. They should come out on top but aren’t worth a play at -500.

Against the spread

BET SANTA CLARA +9.5 (-114).

The Broncos are playing for their season while the Gaels should be able to make the NCAA Tournament even with a loss here. That should add intensity for the lower seed. Santa Clara has covered in 3 of its last 4 games and has better shooters in its top scorers.

All 3 of Santa Clara’s players who averaged double figures in scoring shot 43% or better. Saint Mary’s leading scorer was under 40% as Mahaney hit at a 38.4% clip. The Broncos are surging at the right time and have the efficiency to keep up with the Gaels’ potent offense.

TAKE SANTA CLARA +9.5 (-114).

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Over/Under

LEAN UNDER 134.5 (-112).

Santa Clara has allowed fewer than 70 points in 4 of its last 7 games. It has gone Under in 7 of its last 9 and is 14-17 O/U on the season. The Broncos averaged just 63.0 points per game in their 2 regular-season losses to the Gaels.

Saint Mary’s is coming off a 57-point showing against Gonzaga at home in its last game and has gone 4-4 O/U in its last 8. Considering the trends for both sides, BACK UNDER 134.5 (-112).

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Gonzaga at Saint Mary’s odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Gonzaga at Saint Mary’s odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Gonzaga Bulldogs (23-6, 13-2 West Coast) and Saint Mary’s Gaels (24-6, 15-0) meet in a key West Coast Conference tussle Saturday night. Tip-off from University Credit Union Pavilion will be at 10 p.m. ET (ESPN/ESPN+). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook ‘s lines around the Gonzaga vs. Saint Mary’s odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

Gonzaga is ranked No. 22 in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll. The Bulldogs covered as 4-point favorites in an 86-68 win over San Francisco at Chase Center Thursday. The win marked GU’s 7th in a row, and it snapped a 3-game losing skid against the spread (ATS).

Saint Mary’s, tabbed as 17th in the Coaches Poll, also played Thursday. The Gaels earned an ATS win as 15.5-point favorites; they won 83-57 at Pepperdine. SMC has not lost since Dec. 23; the Gaels are 16-0 since and that includes a 64-62 victory over these Bulldogs Feb. 3.

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Gonzaga at Saint Mary’s odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:40 p.m. ET.

Moneyline: Gonzaga +120 (bet $100 to win $120) | Saint Mary’s -145 (bet $145 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Gonzaga +2.5 (-110) | Saint Mary’s -2.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 141.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Gonzaga at Saint Mary’s picks and predictions

Prediction

Saint Mary’s 71, Gonzaga 67

Moneyline

PASS. A Gaels tag of -140 or lower would make the SMC ML play the best option, but otherwise the ATS action cozies up to more value for the bettor.

Against the spread

GU is 0-3 ATS in games lined with totals in the 140s; the Bulldogs are 0-5 ATS against teams allowing 64 or fewer points per game (PPG).

The Gaels, who allow 58.1 PPG, are 10-5 ATS in WCC action.

It does not happen often, but it does happen. Over the last 3 years, Gonzaga has been an underdog 6 times. The Bulldogs went 1-5 ATS.

Saint Mary’s boasts a strong interior defense and tremendous rebounding. The Bulldogs did a nice job keeping SMC off the glass in the Feb. 3 meeting (just 7 SMC offensive rebounds despite a relatively low shooting percentage). Look for a push in that area and for the Gaels to get a win in 2-possession territory.

TAKE SAINT MARY’S -2.5 (-110).

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Over/Under

When GU has played those defense-1st squads yielding 64 or fewer points, the Under has prevailed with a 5-0 mark.

The Under hit in the 1st meeting, and that was on a total of 138.5. Figure on ultra-slow SMC controlling the pace and on a game without a ton of frees and 3s.

BACK THE UNDER 141.5 (-110).

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March Madness: Saint Mary’s vs. UConn odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Saint Mary’s vs. UConn odds and lines, with expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

The 5th-seeded Saint Mary’s Gaels (27-7) square off with the 4th-seeded Connecticut Huskies (26-8) Sunday in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Tip from MVP Arena in Albany, N.Y., is set for 6:10 p.m. ET (TNT). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Saint Mary’s vs. UConn odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

No.19 in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll Saint Mary’s handled VCU 63-51 Friday in a game pegged by many to be an upset. No. 12 ranked UConn enters off an 87-63 dismantling of Iona in its first-round affair Friday.

While the Gaels want to use a slow pace and their 5th-ranked scoring defense (59.9 points allowed per game) to muddy things up, UConn will want to play a more-up tempo game with its 29th-ranked offense (78.7 points per game).

UConn also has an elite defense though, allowing just 65.0 points per game (40th), and if it can hold the Gaels down to that average there is very little chance that Saint Mary’s will be able to keep up. If the Gaels are able to get closer to their average of 71.1 points per game (184th), they could make this a close game to the end.

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Saint Mary’s at UConn odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:34 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Saint Mary’s +160 (bet $100 to win $160) | UConn -190 (bet $190 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Saint Mary’s +4.5 (-115) | UConn -4.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 127.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)

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Saint Mary’s at UConn picks and predictions

Prediction

UConn 71, Saint Mary’s 64

Moneyline

PASS.

UConn punched its ticket to the second round because it demolished an Iona team with a more prolific offense than Saint Mary’s by holding them to just 63 points.

Saint Mary’s will need to slow down this game to remain close, but the athleticism of UConn will eventually overcome and the Huskies will pull away. However, while UConn (-190) is too steep for a straight wager, it is okay for an addition to a parlay.

Against the spread

BET UCONN -4.5 (-105).

Freshman G Aidan Mahaney has been stellar for Saint Mary’s all season, but he was held to 0 points and 2 assists with 4 fouls in 18 minutes in the first round. UConn can also limit what he can do while also providing a far superior offense than that of VCU.

Huskies F Adama Sanogo can take over the game as he did in the first round when he shot 13-for-17 for 28 points and added 13 rebounds. He’ll force the Gaels to try to keep him out of the paint, but with his talent and the surrounding cast, the Huskies will be able to cover this margin.

Playing approximately 130 miles from campus, UConn will have a major advantage in fan support. This will lead the Huskies to a victory and a Sweet 16 berth against Arkansas.

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Over/Under

AVOID.

While everything says this game should go Under, the number of 127.5 is just too low for the taking.

Saint Mary’s has gone Under in 8 of its past 11 tournament games while UConn has gone Under in 4 straight games following an ATS win and 4 straight games after a straight-up win.

However, the offensive potential of UConn playing near home coupled with the Gaels having to make a cross-country trip for 2 games in 3 days, makes the Over a better play. In a case of mismatched value, it is better to just avoid the play entirely.

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March Madness: VCU vs. Saint Mary’s odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s VCU vs. Saint Mary’s odds and lines, with expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

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The 12th-seeded VCU Rams (27-7) take on the 5-seed Saint Mary’s Gaels (26-7) in a first round NCAA Tournament game in Albany, N.Y., on Friday at 2 p.m. ET (TBS). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the VCU vs. Saint Mary’s odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

Saint Mary’s lost in the WCC title game to Gonzaga while VCU won the Atlantic-10 Tournament. VCU is on a 9-game winning streak and will look to continue it against one of the best defensive teams in the nation.

Saint Mary’s ranks 6th in the country allowing just 59.3 points a game. The Gaels like to slow down the game to a snail’s pace and make it difficult for opponents to gain any continuity on offense. Lucky for VCU, it is also a slow-paced team and the defense of the Rams will be up to the challenge.

The Rams’ defense ranks 26th in the nation allowing just 63 PPG. This will ensure a low-scoring, slow game and whichever defense can get the last stop just might be the winner and moving on to the next round against either Iona or UConn.

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VCU vs. Saint Mary’s odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 9:07 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): VCU +150 (bet $100 to win $150) | Saint Mary’s -190 (bet $190 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): VCU +4.5 (-118) | Saint Mary’s -4.5 (-102)
Over/Under (O/U): 122.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

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VCU vs. Saint Mary’s picks and predictions

Prediction

Saint Mary’s 65, VCU 63

Moneyline

PASS.

While -190 on Saint Mary’s is not totally out of line, the confidence you should have for the Gaels to prevail is. VCU is running hot and could easily hold down the Gaels to win this game. Staying away from the moneyline entirely is the safest bet here.

Against the spread

VCU +4.5 (-115).

Since starting the season 10-5, the Rams have won 9 in a row and 17 of the last 19 games. Saint Mary’s, after starting strong, has faded just a bit down the stretch and come into this game after losing the WCC title game to Gonzaga after also losing to the Zags in the regular-season finale.

While the Gaels have been battle-tested, the Rams and their defense will be able to hold up against an equally good defense for Saint Mary’s and keep this game close to the end so 4.5 points is too much. Give me the underdog to cover.

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Over/Under

OVER 122.5 (-108).

Both teams rank top 30 in total defense. But this number is just a few points too low.

VCU has gone Over the total in 6 of its last 7 games and Saint Mary’s has gone Over the total in 4 of 5 games following an ATS loss.

While neither team will be a lights-out scoring team, both should get into the 60s. And that’s all that is needed for this total to hit.

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WCC Tournament: Gonzaga vs. Saint Mary’s odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s Gonzaga vs. Saint Mary’s odds and lines, with expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

The No. 8 Gonzaga Bulldogs (27-5) enter a rubber match against the No. 16 Saint Mary’s Gaels (26-6) in the WCC Tournament title game Tuesday in Las Vegas at 9 p.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Gonzaga vs. Saint Mary’s odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

Rankings courtesy of the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.

After losing 78-70 at Saint Mary’s in overtime, Gonzaga was able to return the favor in the season finale beating the Gaels 77-68 to tie for the regular-season conference title — Saint Mary’s did win the conference tournament’s No. 1 seed through a tiebreaker. This game will be the rubber match as both will look to gain a valuable win for a higher NCAA Tournament seeding.

Gonzaga comes in ranked No. 1 in the country at 88.0 points on offense while Saint Mary’s comes is 6th in defense allowing 59.3 PPG. If the big men of the Gaels can keep Gonzaga from getting 2nd-chance points, this will be another close game. If Gonzaga can use its experience and physical play, it could pull away and win the title.

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Gonzaga vs. Saint Mary’s odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:56 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Gonzaga -145 (bet $145 to win $100) | Saint Mary’s +125 (bet $100 to win $125)
Against the spread (ATS): Gonzaga -2.5 (-115) | Saint Mary’s +2.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 138.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Gonzaga vs. Saint Mary’s picks and predictions

Prediction

Gonzaga 77, Saint Mary’s72

Moneyline

PASS.

Gonzaga has the experience advantage. It will also have the talent advantage to make sure it is able to win and head into March on the right foot. Saint Mary’s will be pushed to the brink and with Gonzaga being the favorite, I do not see a wager worth making on the moneyline.

Against the spread

GONZAGA -2.5 (-115).

Both games this season have been decided by more than 5 points. A 2.5-point spread is a bit small with this in mind. Each team has won at home. But with this game being played on a neutral court, I like the offense of the Bulldogs to take control against the defense of the Gaels.

Gonzaga failed to cover in its semifinal game against San Francisco. In its 4 previous instances when it did this, it covered in its next game. For the Gaels, it covered against BYU. The last 4 games following an ATS win, Saint Mary’s has failed to cover in the next outing. Both streaks will continue Tuesday as Gonzaga will cover the small 2.5-point spread.

Over/Under

OVER 138.5 (-110)

Despite Saint Mary’s having the nation’s 6th-defense, it has played games to the Over in 8 of its last 10 neutral site games. It has also gone Over in 4 of its last 5 Tuesday games. Gonzaga has, despite going Under the large 160.5 total Monday, been a constant team to get games Over the total.

Gonzaga has gone Over in 8 of 9 games overall and has gone Over in 7 of 8 following a win. Scoring 88 points a game, the Bulldogs will have the ability to get this game Over almost by itself. But with Saint Mary’s also able to score, averaging 71.9 points, and Gonzaga’s defense allowing 73.6 PPG, the Bulldogs will not have to do it alone.

The 138.5 is too low. If it remains Under 143, the Over is the side.

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WCC Tournament: BYU vs. Saint Mary’s odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Monday’s BYU vs. Saint Mary’s WCC Tournament odds and lines, with expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

The BYU Cougars (19-14, 7-9 WCC) square off with the No. 16 Saint Mary’s Gaels (25-6, 14-2) Monday in a WCC semifinal. Tip from Orleans Arena in Las Vegas is at 9 p.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the BYU vs. Saint Mary’s odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

Rankings courtesy of the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.

The Gaels finished the regular season tied for the WCC lead with Gonzaga to secure the top seed in the conference tournament. Saint Mary’s toppled BYU twice along the way, winning 57-56 as a 6.5-point road favorite on Jan. 28 and 71-65 as a 10-point home favorite on Feb. 18.

Saint Mary’s will likely be a top-5 seed in March Madness regardless of the WCC Tournament, but BYU must win this game to have any chance of making it.

The Cougars rank 84th in the nation with 75.6 points per game on the season. However, they will have their work cut out against a truly elite Gaels defense that ranks 5th nationally with just 59.3 points allowed per game.

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BYU vs. Saint Mary’s odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:41 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): BYU +240 (bet $100 to win $240) | Saint Mary’s -320 (bet $320 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): BYU +7.5 (-115) | Saint Mary’s -7.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 128.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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BYU vs. Saint Mary’s picks and predictions

Prediction

Saint Mary’s 66, BYU 62

Moneyline

PASS.

Saint Mary’s (-320) has beaten BYU twice already this season, but they were both close games.

This should be another win for the Gaels with a possible rematch against Gonzaga and WCC Title on the line, but you shouldn’t risk more than 3 times your potential return on the moneyline.

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Against the spread

BET BYU +7.5 (-115).

BYU’s 2 losses to Saint Mary’s came by a combined 7 points.

The Gaels are the better team but they are not an offensive team and the Cougars are able to score enough to keep games close in this series.

While BYU will fall short of its season average (75.6 points per game), it will do more than what is needed to stay competitive against a Saint Mary’s team that averages 71.9 points per game.

Over/Under

LEAN UNDER 128.5 (-115).

This will be a slow, physical game with Saint Mary’s allowing just 59.3 points per game and BYU allowing 69.9.

BYU is ranked 134th in field-goal percentage (45.4) and 181st in 3-point percentage (34.1), so there will be plenty of missed shots. Second-chance points for the Cougars will also be hard to come by as Saint Mary’s is a better-than-average defensive-rebounding team. The Gaels will use this advantage to slow down the game even more, making the UNDER 128.5 (-115) my lean Monday.

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Saint Mary’s at Gonzaga odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Saint Mary’s at Gonzaga odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The No. 14 Saint Mary’s Gaels (25-5, 14-1 WCC) look for a season sweep of the No. 12 Gonzaga Bulldogs (24-5, 13-2) in Spokane Saturday at 10 p.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Saint Mary’s vs. Gonzaga odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

Since losing 78-70 to Saint Mary’s, Gonzaga has run off 5 straight wins and continues to lead the nation in scoring at 87.5 points per game. This includes its past 2 games against Pepperdine and San Diego in which the Bulldogs scored 97 in each contest. While Gonzaga and star center Drew Timme handle its business on offense, Saint Mary’s uses the 4th-ranked defense to hold teams down.

The Gaels come in after beating Pacific 83-52 Thursday and head into this matchup looking to seal up the WCC conference title.

Despite the better record and beating the Zags in the first meeting, Saint Mary’s is ranked No. 14 while Gonzaga is No. 12. This is even more prevalent when looking at the NET. This shows the Gaels as the 7th-best team in the nation and Gonzaga as 10th. Saint Mary’s will look to prove the voters wrong Saturday.

Rankings courtesy of the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.

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Saint Mary’s at Gonzaga odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:50 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Saint Mary’s +180 (bet $100 to win $180) | Gonzaga -230 (bet $230 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Saint Mary’s +5.5 (-110) | Gonzaga -5.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 141.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Saint Mary’s at Gonzaga picks and predictions

Prediction

Gonzaga 80, Saint Mary’s 71

Moneyline

PASS

In a similar game to the first meeting, a 78-70 overtime win by Saint Mary’s, this game will be close for the entirety. This game will be played on Gonzaga’s home court, though, and this will make the difference in the winner.

The Bulldogs have come on strong since their loss to the Gaels, and the hot streak will continue. Even so, I am not willing to wager -230 on any straight wager.

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Against the spread

Take GONZAGA -5.5 (-110).

Gonzaga has scored 97 points in each of its last 2 outings. While the Gaels have only allowed 58.7 per game on the season, with this game in Spokane, the Bulldogs will use its top-ranked offense at 87.8 points to light up the scoreboard.

Gonzaga does not want to lose its grip on the WCC conference. With a win Saturday, it can retain a co-share of the championship. 5.5 points is a lot. But with the way Gonzaga has played of late, it is not enough.

The home team in this series is 6-0-2 ATS in the past 8. Saturday will continue the trend.

Over/Under

OVER 141.5 (-105)

While the Gaels have the bigs to contend with Timme and the rest of Gonzaga, the Bulldogs will be able to force the pace to an uncomfortable level for Saint Mary’s, who wants this to be a slow matchup.

Zags coach Mark Few knows this, and his team will do everything it can to be lightning quick down the floor.

The Bulldogs will use its 1st-ranked offense (87.8 points) along with its porous 297th-ranked defense (74.1 points) to get this one to the Over 141.5.

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