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

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

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

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The No. 7 seed Saint Mary’s Gaels (29-5) and No. 2 seed Alabama Crimson Tide (26-8) will tangle in South Region second-round action Sunday in Cleveland. The opening tip at Rocket Arena will be at 4:10 p.m. ET (TNT). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college basketball odds around the Saint Mary’s vs. Alabama odds, and make our expert college basketball picks and predictions.

On Friday, Saint Mary’s earned its 19th victory in its last 21 games with a first-round win over Vanderbilt. The favored-by-4.5 Gaels beat the Commodores 59-56 in a contest that saw both sides shoot just 40% from the floor. SMC trailed for most of the middle 20 minutes of the game and by as many as 12 points, but the Gaels survived and advanced with a flourish at the end.

Alabama advanced Friday with a 90-81 triumph over Robert Morris. The favored-by-21.5 Crimson Tide struggled from distance but went 28 of 37 (75.7%) on 2-point looks. UA — tabbed No. 8 in the USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll — was a national semifinalist last year and is now 7-2 over its last 9 NCAA Tournament games.

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Saint Mary’s vs. Alabama odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 5:02 p.m. ET.

Moneyline: Saint Mary’s +190 (bet $100 to win $+190) | Alabama -235 (bet $235 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Saint Mary’s +5.5 (-110) | Alabama -5.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 148.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Saint Mary’s vs. Alabama picks and predictions

Prediction

Alabama 79, Saint Mary’s 74

Moneyline

AVOID: Look to leverage a slight Saint Mary’s lean with the points.

Against the spread

SMC is 6-1 ATS over its last 7 games when tabbed as a 1-5-point underdog.

Alabama’s defense has slipped over recent weeks, and the way the Gaels can rebound and defend the perimeter makes them a decent enough play with the points in this spot. Saint Mary’s is also adept in keeping foes off the free-throw line. That’s a big part of the UA attack.

Consider a partial-unit play on the GAELS +5.5 (-110).

Over/Under

The Over cashed in UA’s Friday game and is 4-1 in the Tide’s last 5 games.

This contest presents an extreme style clash, with the Gaels playing at a methodical pace and having a KenPom adjusted tempo ranked 360th in NCAA Division I, while the Tide play at breakneck speed and own the KenPom No. 1 tempo.

Both defenses are excellent at forcing suboptimal looks, but expect both teams to crash the offensive glass and get extra chances. Look for SMC to find plenty of success generating near-proximity shots, and for the Tide to continue running plenty of under-10-second possessions.

Saint Mary’s has a few league (West Coast Conference) foes that play quite fast, and the Gaels’ trend against those squads (Gonzaga, San Diego, Washington State) has been decidedly Over.

Look for this contest to roll past 150. BACK THE OVER 148.5 (-110).

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

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

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The 10th-seeded Vanderbilt Commodores (20-12) and No. 7 seed Saint Mary’s Gaels (28-5) tangle in an East Region first-round game of the NCAA Tournament. The opening tip at Rocket Arena in Cleveland is slated for 3:15 p.m. ET (truTV). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college basketball odds around the Vanderbilt vs. Saint Mary’s odds, and make our expert college basketball picks and predictions.

Vanderbilt was ousted by Texas (79-72 as a 2.5-point favorite March 12) in an early-round SEC Tournament game, but the Commodores made the NCAA Tournament field as an at-large. Albeit against tough foes, Vandy enters Friday’s tilt having lost 3 consecutive games straight up and against the spread (ATS).

Saint Mary’s fell to Gonzaga in the March 11 West Coast Conference Tournament title game (58-51 as a 3.5-point underdog). The Gaels, who were ranked No. 15 in the USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll at the time, made the field as an at-large. SMC sports one of the top defenses in the nation. The Gaels’ loss to GU snapped an 8-game win streak; over that stretch, SMC yielded just 60.0 points per game.

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Vanderbilt 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 Thursday at 5:03 p.m. ET.

Moneyline: Vanderbilt +155 (bet $100 to win $155) | Saint Mary’s -190 (bet $190 to win $100)
Against the spread: Vanderbilt +4.5 (-115) | Saint Mary’s -4.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 135.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Vanderbilt vs. Saint Mary’s picks and predictions

Prediction

Saint Mary’s 70, Vanderbilt 68

Moneyline

No interest: PASS.

Against the spread

Both sides enter on ATS losing streaks (Vandy has lost 3 straight ATS), but peg the Commodores as having a a terrific defense to match the Gaels. And the back half of Vanderbilt’s season appears more solid than its win-loss record suggests.

The Gaels have filed ATS losses in their last 4 NCAA Tournament games.

In a close game, Vandy’s free-throw shooting (74.7%) could well play a prominent role.

TAKE THE COMMODORES +4.5 (-115).

Over/Under

The Over is 4-1 across Vandy’s last 5 games.

The pace here figures to be a clash of slow (SMC) vs. fast (VU). When looking at the up-tempo fives that the Gaels met in WCC play (including Gonzaga in that league’s tournament finale), Overs have hit in 5 straight such matchups.

The OVER 135.5 (-110) is the value side of this contest.

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WCC Championship Game: 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 (24-8) and Saint Mary’s Gaels (28-4) meet in the West Coast Conference Tournament final in Las Vegas Tuesday. The opening tip at Orleans Arena will be at 9 p.m. ET (ESPN). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college basketball odds around the Gonzaga vs. Saint Mary’s odds, and make our expert college basketball picks and predictions.

Gonzaga is the No. 2 seed in the WCC bracket. The Bulldogs had a bye into Monday’s semifinal, an 85-76 triumph over 15.5-point-underdog San Francisco. GU last lost Feb. 22 (74-67 to these Gaels); the nation’s second-leading scoring team (87.5 points per game) is 3-0 since.

Saint Mary’s — No. 15 in the USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll and the top seed in the league tourney — clocked a 74-59 win over 19-point-underdog Pepperdine Monday. The Gaels, which swept 2 games from the Bulldogs in the regular season, are 8-0 with an average margin of victory of 12.0 points per game, since Feb. 8.

GU and SMC are meeting in the WCC title game for a fourth straight year and the 13th time in the circuit’s last 17 tournaments.

Stream select live college basketball games and full replays: Get ESPN+

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 10 a.m. ET.

Moneyline: Gonzaga -175 (bet $175 to win $100) | Saint Mary’s +145 (bet $100 to win $145)
Against the spread (ATS): Gonzaga -3.5 (-115) | Saint Mary’s +3.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 136.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Gonzaga vs. Saint Mary’s picks and predictions

Prediction

Gonzaga 71, Saint Mary’s 69

Moneyline

No interest. PASS.

Against the spread

Against the number, SMC has won 3 in a row against GU.

In the regular-season meetings this winter, the Gaels prevailed without great shooting performances. They held an average Bulldogs perimeter game at bay and were solid on the boards in both.

Gonzaga (fast) and Saint Mary’s (slow) are at opposite ends of the speed spectrum, and they play in a speedy league where SMC and Oregon State stand out with slow pace figures. Against those two teams and the one high-profile up-tempo team the Bulldogs played in the regular season (Kentucky Dec. 7), Gonzaga is 1-4 ATS.

SAINT MARY’S +3.5 (-105) is a slight lean for this one.

Over/Under

The Under cashed in the 2 regular-season meetings and is 6-0 in the last half-dozen games of this series. But those 2 regular-season meetings were tabbed with totals in the 140s. Figure this contest between fast-paced GU and perhaps 3-bombing-late SMC as being totaled on the low side.

The last 3 Bulldogs’ games have hit the Over, and the 5 GU-vs.-slow games mentioned above saw the Over go 3-2.

TAKE THE OVER 136.5 (-110).

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Pepperdine vs. Saint Mary’s odds, picks and predictions

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

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The Pepperdine Waves (13-21) and the No. 17 Saint Mary’s Gaels (27-4) meet Monday in a West Coast Conference semifinal game at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas. Tip-off is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET (ESPN). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college basketball odds around the Pepperdine vs. Saint Mary’s odds, and make our expert college basketball picks and predictions.

The Waves are wearing Cinderella’s slipper, at least in terms of the WCC Tournament. Pepperdine went 10-21 in the regular season, but has dispatched the Portland Pirates, Oregon State Beavers and the Santa Clara Broncos in the past 3 days to advance to the semifinals.

Pepperdine was a 10.5-point underdog in the third round against the Beavers, winning 77-73, and it was 15.5-point underdog in the quarterfinals against Santa Clara, winning 78-76. F Stefan Todorovic and G Moe Odum each went for 19 points in the win over the Broncos Sunday.

While the Waves were winning 3 games in 3 days, the Gaels have been resting, courtesy of the bye it clinched after earning the No. 1 seed in the WCC.

Saint Mary’s pounded Pepperdine 74-50 on Jan. 18 in Malibu as a 13.5-point favorite as the Under (140) cashed. It also blasted the Waves 71-41 at home in Moraga on Jan. 2 as a 17-point favorite as the Under (141.5) hit then, too. F Luke Barrett averaged 15.0 points and 7.0 rebounds in the 2 games vs. Pepperdine.

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

Stream select live college basketball games and full replays: Get ESPN+

Pepperdine 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 6:26 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Pepperdine +1500 (bet $100 to win $1,500) | Saint Mary’s -5000 (bet $5,000 to win $100)
Against the spread: Pepperdine +20.5 (-110) | Saint Mary’s -20.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 136.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Pepperdine vs. Saint Mary’s picks and predictions

Prediction

Saint Mary’s 82, Pepperdine 59

Moneyline

Stay away from Saint Mary’s (-5000), either straight up or as part of a multi-leg parlay. There is no way to justify risking 50 times your potential return.

While Pepperdine (+1500) has been no match for the Gaels this season, the Waves are on a roll in the WCC Tournament, and you just never know.

PASS.

Against the spread

SAINT MARY’S -20.5 (-110) is worth a look in this WCC semifinal tilt.

Pepperdine +20.5 (-110) has pulled off the unexpected, winning 3 games in 3 days. The Waves have not only covered all 3 outings, but the past 2 have been outright wins as a double-digit underdog. But, facing Saint Mary’s is an entirely different animal than facing Oregon State or Santa Clara.

The ranked Gaels have not only won 8 in a row in this series, but Saint Mary’s has won the past 6 meetings by 24 or more points, covering 7 straight in the series.

Over/Under

OVER 136.5 (-110) is worth a play, even though the Under cashed in both regular-season meetings.

Pepperdine has cashed high in 2 of 3 WCC Tournament games, while the Over is 5-2 in the past 7 games since Feb. 20.

For Saint Mary’s, the Over-Under has split 2-2 in the past 4 outings. The Gaels allow just 60.8 points per game, which ranks No. 5 in the nation, so proceed with caution. However, the Gaels should be able to roll up enough offense against a foe it knows too well.

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Saint Mary’s at San Francisco odds, picks and predictions

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

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The No. 23 Saint Mary’s Gaels (20-3, 10-0 WCC) visit the San Francisco Dons (18-6, 8-3) Thursday at The Sobrato Center in San Francisco. Tip-off is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college basketball odds around the Saint Mary’s vs. San Francisco odds, and make our expert college basketball picks and predictions.

The Gaels have won 11 consecutive meetings since Feb. 2, 2019. The last victory for the Dons came Jan. 3, 2019, with San Francisco covering as a 3-point home favorite. Saint Mary’s is also 9-2 against the spread (ATS) in the 11-game win streak, while the Over has hit in 6 of the past 8 meetings.

The Gaels won the first meeting in Moraga 71-51 on Jan. 23, covering as a 10.5-point favorite as the Under (134) connected. San Francisco hit just 26.9% (14-of-52) from the field, and 22.2% (6-of-27) from behind the 3-point line. Saint Mary’s was an efficient 61.5% (32-of-52) from the field, while posting a plus-12 rebounding margin.

SMC is the only unbeaten team in WCC play, and it sits 2 1/2 games ahead of San Francisco. The Dons are 14-0 straight up (SU) at home, while the Gaels are 6-0 on the road, so something’s gotta give.

San Francisco has won 2 in a row, and 4 of the past 5 outings, while going 3-2 ATS in the span. The Under and Over have alternated in each of the past 5 contests.

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

Stream select live college basketball games and full replays: Get ESPN+

Saint Mary’s at San Francisco odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:18 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Saint Mary’s -275 (bet $275 to win $100) | San Francisco +220 (bet $100 to win $220)
Against the spread (ATS): Saint Mary’s -5.5 (-118) | San Francisco +5.5 (-102)
Over/Under (O/U): 131.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Saint Mary’s at San Francisco picks and predictions

Prediction

Saint Mary’s 74, San Francisco 66

Moneyline

Saint Mary’s (-275) will cost you nearly 3 times your potential return, and that’s too much risk for not enough reward.

The Gaels are unbeaten on the road this season, and they enter on a 10-game win streak. While San Francisco (+220) has posted a 14-0 SU record at home, it lost the first meeting by 20 points, and it hasn’t faced a ranked team at The Sobrato Center yet. Look for the Dons to finally meet their match.

PASS.

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Against the spread

PLAY SAINT MARY’S -5.5 (-118) to get the job done by at least 3 buckets. Again, it won the first meeting 71-51 in the East Bay 2 weeks ago.

The Gaels have won 11 in a row in this series, too, while going 9-2 ATS in the series since 2019.

San Francisco +5.5 (-102) enters this game just 3-7 ATS in the past 10 games since Dec. 30, and it is just 3-4 ATS in the past 7 outings at home, too.

Over/Under

OVER 131.5 (-115) is a solid play in this WCC rematch.

The total has a slight edge for San Francisco (6-4) in the past 10 games since Dec. 30, although the Under easily cashed in the first meeting with Saint Mary’s.

For the Gaels, the total has gone low in 4 of the past 5 games, scoring 74 or fewer points, while allowing 60 or less in 9 of the previous 10 outings.

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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 (16-6, 7-2 WCC) and the Saint Mary’s Gaels (19-3, 9-0) meet Saturday at University Credit Union Pavilion in Moraga, Calif. Tip-off is scheduled for 11 p.m. ET (ESPN/ESPN+). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college basketball odds around the Gonzaga vs. Saint Mary’s odds, and make our expert college basketball picks and predictions.

The Bulldogs have won 2 in a row since falling 103-99 to Santa Clara at home last Saturday. The Zags averaged 101.5 PPG in those 2 rebound victories, while allowing just 61.0 PPG. The Over is on a 4-0 run, while going 6-1 in the past 7 games. Gonzaga has scored 88 or more points in 6 straight contests, too.

For the Gaels, they’re the only unbeaten team in WCC play, winning 9 in a row in the league since Dec. 28. Saint Mary’s has covered at a 7-1 against the spread (ATS) pace in the past 8 games, while cashing low in 3 of the past 4.

In this series, Gonzaga and SMC have split the past 8 meetings, while also going 4-4 ATS. The Under has hit in 4 consecutive meetings, too.

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

Stream select live college basketball games and full replays: Get ESPN+

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 11:50 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Gonzaga -125 (bet $125 to win $100) | Saint Mary’s +105 (bet $100 to win $105)
Against the spread: Gonzaga -1.5 (-110) | Saint Mary’s +1.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 144.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Gonzaga at Saint Mary’s picks and predictions

Prediction

Saint Mary’s 79, Gonzaga 75

Moneyline

SAINT MARY’S (+105) is a solid play at home as short ‘dogs in this conference clash between rivals.

Gonzaga (-125) has been good, but not great this season, and Saint Mary’s has yet to lose in conference play. The Gaels are worth a look, as their past 3 home victories are by an average margin of 25.0 points per game (PPG), with 4 in a row by double digits.

Against the spread

Playing Saint Mary’s +1.5 (-110) makes no sense, as if you like the Gaels, going with the moneyline is a much better value. Unless you strongly believe Gonzaga -1.5 (-110) is going to win, but only by a single point, go with the Gaels on the moneyline instead.

Saint Mary’s is 7-1 ATS in the past 8 games, including 3 straight covers at home.

For Gonzaga, it is just 2-4 ATS in the past 6 outings, while cashing at a 3-11 ATS clip since Dec. 7. On the road or in neutral-site games, the Zags are just 2-5 ATS in the past 7 outings.

PASS, and look to the moneyline instead.

Over/Under

OVER 144.5 (-110) is a strong play in this conference tilt in Moraga.

Gonzaga has scored 81 or more points in 9 consecutive outings, but it could struggle against the suffocating defense of Saint Mary’s. The Over is 6-1 in the past 7 games for the Zags, while the Over has a slight 4-3 edge in the past 7 for the Gaels.

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San Francisco at Saint Mary’s odds, picks and predictions

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

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The San Francisco Dons (16-5, 6-2 WCC) visit the Saint Mary’s Gaels (16-3, 6-0) Thursday. Tip-off from University Credit Union Pavilion is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET (CBS Sports Network). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college basketball odds around the San Francisco vs. Saint Mary’s odds, and make our expert college basketball picks and predictions.

San Francisco has won back-to-back games after taking down Oregon State 81-70 Saturday and covering as a 4.5-point home favorite. G Malik Thomas scored a game-high 24 points.

Saint Mary’s has won 6 games in a row after handling Pepperdine 74-50 Saturday, covering as a 13.5-point road favorite. F Luke Barrett scored a team-high 14 points.

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

Stream select live college basketball games and full replays: Get ESPN+

San Francisco 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 10:40 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): San Francisco +425 (bet $100 to win $425) | Saint Mary’s -600 (bet $600 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): San Francisco +10.5 (-110) | Saint Mary’s -10.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 136.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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San Francisco at Saint Mary’s picks and predictions

Prediction

Saint Mary’s 82, San Francisco 69

Moneyline

PASS.

While Saint Mary’s (-600) is 10-1 at home and San Francisco is 2-3 on the road, the spread is the preferred play here and is available at a much better price.

Against the spread

BET SAINT MARY’S -10.5 (-110).

Saint Mary’s has covered 5 straight games, all as a favorite of 13.5 or more points. It has covered back-to-back home games and scored 81 or more points in 3 of its last 4.

San Francisco has failed to cover 7 of its last 10 games overall, including 4 of its last 5 on the road and 2 straight as an underdog.

Over/Under

BET OVER 136.5 (-105).

San Francisco has scored 80 or more points in 6 of its last 7 games, going 5-2 O/U.

Saint Mary’s has scored 81 or more points in 3 of its last 4 games, going 3-1 O/U, and is 4-3-1 to the Over in its last 8.

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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

Stream select live college basketball games and full replays: Get ESPN+

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.

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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