Saint Mary’s Gaels betting odds line spread pick predictions best bets – Page 2

Pacific at Saint Mary’s odds, picks and predictions

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

The Pacific Tigers (13-16, 6-8 WCC) will try to go on the road and take down the conference leading Saint Mary’s Gaels (24-5, 13-1) in University Credit Union Pavilion Thursday at 10 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Pacific vs. Saint Mary’s odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

These teams have not played over the last 2 years. So, this will be a strange matchup for both squads getting to know each other.

The Gaels have been stellar so far this season, though. Despite not being ranked in the top 25 of the coaches poll, the Gaels are ranked 8th in the NET ranks – the NCAA ranks to determine the best teams for the season based on metrics.

While a win against an overmatched Pacific will not boost this rank, a loss will hurt them in both the tournament seeding and in hoping to fend off Gonzaga, who resides just 1 game back in the conference.

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Pacific at 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 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Pacific +875 (bet $100 to win $875) | Saint Mary’s -2500 (bet $2,500 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Pacific +19.5 (-115) | Saint Mary’s -19.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 137.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Pacific at Saint Mary’s picks and predictions

Prediction

Saint Mary’s 75, Pacific 60

Moneyline

PASS.

While Pacific is better on the road (7-6) than it is at home (6-10), this is still not a game I am willing to bet on them to win.

Saint Mary’s has been the best team in the West Coast Conference and are also 15-2 at home this season. With this in mind, and with the Gaels being -2500, I will not be playing either side.

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Against the spread

Take PACIFIC +19.5 (-115)

While the Tigers are not a threat to win, keeping a lower scoring game within 20 points is another thing entirely.

Pacific, which averages 76.6 points, will be taking on a 5th-ranked Saint Mary’s defense allowing only 58.9 points.

On the other end, the Gaels have only averaged 71.6 points, and will be about the same Thursday.

The Tigers have covered the spread in 4 of their last 5 games after a straight-up loss and also in games against a team with a winning percentage above .600. Saint Mary’s for its part, have failed to cover in 5 of 6 games coming off a win. This is a mid-week letdown spot for the Gaels who could be looking past the Tigers and towards their road matchup with Gonzaga on Saturday.

Over/Under

Take UNDER 137.5 (-110)

With the 5th-ranked defense in the nation, the Gaels will be able to use the home-court atmosphere to keep this game at its own favored pace. Slow.

Saint Mary’s has gone Under the total in 5 of 6 home games against teams with a winning road record.

If this game goes as planned, and Saint Mary’s stifles the Tigers, this will easily hit the Under. The only way this game is going to get to the Over is if the Gaels got to 80 by themselves. I do not see it.

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

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

The No. 17 Saint Mary’s Gaels (22-5, 11-1 WCC) and San Diego Toreros (11-16, 4-9) clash in a West Coast Conference battle Thursday. Tip time at Jenny Craig Pavilion is slated for 9 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Saint Mary’s vs. San Diego odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

Saint Mary’s heads into Thursday’s action leading Gonzaga by 1 game in the WCC standings. The Gaels are closing out a stretch of 3-straight road games. SMC lost the opener of those 3, falling at Loyola Marymount in a Feb. 9 overtime game. The Gaels bounced back in the middle game of their road swing; they won at Portland, covering a -11 spread, in an 81-64 game Saturday.

The Toreros — losers of an 85-58 contest at SMC Dec. 29 — head into this home game off back-to-back losses. San Diego is 1-4 straight up and 2-3 against the spread since Jan. 28.

Rankings courtesy the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.

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Saint Mary’s at San Diego odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:05 p.m. ET.

Moneyline: Saint Mary’s -1000 (bet $1000 to win $100) | San Diego +600 (bet $100 to win $600)
Against the spread (ATS): Saint Mary’s -13.5 (-110) | San Diego +13.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 136.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Saint Mary’s at San Diego picks and predictions

Prediction

Saint Mary’s 74, San Diego 62

Moneyline

Avoid the extra juice here. STEER CLEAR.

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Against the spread

Saint Mary’s is a much better squad, but the spread here is inviting for underdog bettors. San Diego has been hot from distance the last couple games. And peg the Toreros’ iffy defense as being ripe for a regression.

The Gaels could get caught in being a bit road-weary and looking ahead to a key game against BYU Saturday.

BACK SAN DIEGO +13.5 (-110).

Over/Under

The O/U is split 4-4 across the last 8 games in this series.

This WCC tilt figures as a turtle-(SMC)-and-rabbit (USD) affair. This figure is a fair one.

PASS.

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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.

The No. 14 Gonzaga Bulldogs (19-4, 8-1 WCC) will look to topple the No. 18 Saint Mary’s Gaels (20-4, 9-0) in Moraga, Calif., Saturday at 10:30 p.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Gonzaga vs. Saint Mary’s game odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

Despite the perception that Gonzaga is struggling this season, the Bulldogs are still No. 14 in the nation and have only lost 1 conference game. It was a home loss to Loyola Marymount that ended the nation’s longest home-winning streak at more than 65.

After the 68-67 loss as 16.5-point favorites, the Bulldogs have 3-straight wins and remain just 1 game back of Saint Mary’s in the conference heading into the game Saturday.

Saint Mary’s will come into this game on an 11-game winning streak face a Bulldogs team that knocked them out of the conference tournament last year.

If Saint Mary’s is going to get the Bulldogs, this is the year to do so as Gonzaga seems to be weaker this season compared to the Gaels, who seemingly have everything they need for the victory.

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Gonzaga at 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 1:15 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Gonzaga +135 (bet $100 to win $135) | Saint Mary’s -170 (bet $170 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Gonzaga +3.5 (-115) | Saint Mary’s -3.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 137.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Gonzaga at Saint Mary’s picks and predictions

Prediction

Gonzaga 70, Saint Mary’s 60

Moneyline

Gonzaga leads the nation in scoring offense at 86.4 points while Saint Mary’s ranks 4th in defense at 57.2 points per game. My feeling is that Gonzaga’s offense is too much in this game as the Bulldogs rank 1st in FG % at 52.1% and 16th in 3-point percentage at 38.6%.

F Drew Timme will dominate in the paint, and this will allow Gonzaga to move the ball up and down the floor and score against the Gaels.

Take GONZAGA +135.

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Against the spread

PASS on the spread and stick to the ML.

This should be a Gonzaga victory on Saturday. With Gonzaga being the underdog, I will take the risk on their moneyline for the higher payout.

Over/Under

UNDER 137.5 (-115) is the total to play.

Despite Gonzaga leading the country in scoring, it has not shown in the total plays for the Bulldogs lately.

Following a win, the Bulldogs have gone Under the total in 6 of its last 7 games. The Bulldogs have also gone Under the total in 4 straight on the road against teams with winning records at home and 5 in a row against any team with a straight up win percentage above .600.

Gonzaga will score enough to win but not enough to drag this game to the Over.

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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.

The San Francisco Dons (15-9, 4-5 WCC) visit the No. 18 Saint Mary’s Gaels (19-4, 8-0) for a West Coast Conference battle Thursday night. Tip-off at University Credit Union Pavilion in Moraga is at 11 p.m. ET (ESPNU). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the San Francisco vs. Saint Mary’s odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

San Francisco is on a 3-game win streak straight up and against the spread (ATS). Its last loss was to these Gaels in a Jan. 14 home game, 78-61 as 7.5-point underdogs. The Dons are 0-7 ATS vs. Saint Mary’s in the last 7 meetings.

The Gaels play at a plodding pace and sport 1 of the most efficient defenses in the nation. The dual effect has Saint Mary’s yielding just 57.1 points per game, which ranks 4th in NCAA-I. Since Dec. 21, SMC is 10-0 SU and 6-2-1 ATS.

Rankings courtesy the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.

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San Francisco at 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 12:11 p.m. ET.

Moneyline: San Francisco +525 (bet $100 to win $525) | Saint Mary’s -850 (bet $850 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): San Francisco +12.5 (-115) | Saint Mary’s -12.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 129.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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San Francisco at Saint Mary’s picks and predictions

Prediction

Saint Mary’s 70, San Francisco 63

Moneyline

PASS.

Saint Mary’s will win but it unplayable at -850.

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Against the spread

The Dons are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games against teams playing .600 basketball.

A good shooting team like USF can give the Gaels problems. The Dons have shot 47.9% from distance over their last 3 games and launch triples at a top-5 rate nationally. In recent conference games against frequent 3-bombers Loyola-Marymount and BYU, the Gaels logged an ATS push and ATS loss, respectively. SMC also registered earlier ATS losses against Colorado State, Oral Roberts, and Southern. They are all similar in where their points are generated.

BACK THE DONS +12.5 (-115).

Over/Under

Nothing to argue here in a game pitting lots of speed (USF) against almost none (SMC). PASS.

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Colorado State at Saint Mary’s odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Colorado State at Saint Mary’s odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Colorado State Rams (7-4) battle the Saint Mary’s Gaels (9-3) at the McKeon Pavilion Sunday. Tip from Moraga, Calif., is set for 8 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Colorado State vs. Saint Mary’s odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

Saint Mary’s beat New Mexico State 81-68 Wednesday, pushing as 13-point favorites to snap a 3-game covering streak. The Gaels are 7-4-1 against the spread (ATS) on the season and are 7-1 straight up at home. They are led by a dynamic defense that allows the 10th-fewest points per game (57.3) in the nation. Offensively, 4 Gaels average double figures, but those 4 are the only players averaging over 6 points per game.

Colorado State is just 4-6 ATS on the season and 5-4-1 O/U. They’re 0-2 straight up on the road and 1-1 on neutral courts. The Rams beat NAIA-side Peru State 115-72 last Sunday, their last time on the court. Prior to that, they were on a 2-game losing streak ATS are 4-5 ATS in their last 9 games with a spread.

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Colorado State at 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 11:51 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Colorado State +475 (bet $100 to win $475) | Saint Mary’s -750 (bet $750 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Colorado State +11.5 (-105) | Saint Mary’s -11.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 131.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Colorado State at Saint Mary’s picks and predictions

Prediction

Saint Mary’s 73, Colorado State 60

Moneyline

PASS.

The Gaels have been outstanding at home, and the Rams have been horrible on the road. Couple the 2, and the only playable side is the Gaels to win outright, but at (-700), that has no value.

Against the spread

BET SAINT MARY’S -11.5 (-110).

Colorado State has not been challenged this season, and when it was, it struggled mightily. In both times being an underdog, it failed to cover.

It lost at Colorado 93-65 as a 4-point road underdog and 68-56 to Penn State as a 4.5-point road underdog. The Rams’ defense ranks 170th in opponents’ points per game (68). They just aren’t where they need to be, especially against good opponents.

The Gaels are 2-2-1 as double-digit favorites and 2-1-1 as double-digit favorites at home. With one of the best defenses in the country, they should be able to limit the Rams, who wouldn’t have covered this spread against their other capable opponents.

Back SAINT MARY’S -11.5 (-115).

Over/Under

LEAN OVER 131.5 (-115).

The Gaels do have an elite defense, but its offense has been heating up too, scoring at least 66 points in 3 straight games. They average 69.6 per game.

Prior to their NAIA opponent, the Rams had gone Over in 3 straight games as well. They sit 5th in the country in field goal percentage as well (51.1%).

They also rank 16th in three-point shooting (40.1%). There is variety in their scoring as well with 6 players averaging over 8 points per game.

Considering the Rams should want to push the pace and the Gaels offense has been trending up, back the OVER 131.5 (-115).

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

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

The Saint Mary’s Gaels (6-2) and the No. 1 Houston Cougars (7-0) meet Saturday at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas. Tip-off is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET (ESPN2). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Saint Mary’s vs. Houston odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

Rankings courtesy of the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.

The Gaels opened the season with 6 consecutive wins, including nice victories over Vermont and Vanderbilt. However, SMC has dropped a pair of games against Washington and New Mexico, entering on an 0-2 SU/ATS skid.

The top-ranked Cougars struggled last Saturday in a 49-44 win at home against Kent State, but in its first game as the top-ranked team, Houston pounded Norfolk State of the MEAC by a 100-52 count, covering a 26.5-point spread as the Over hit. It was just the 2nd Over of the season for UH.

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Saint Mary’s vs. Houston odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:51 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Off the board
Against the spread (ATS): Saint Mary’s +10.5 (-110) | Houston -10.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 118.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Saint Mary’s vs. Houston picks and predictions

Prediction

Houston 66, Saint Mary’s 51

Moneyline

There was no money line available at the time of publishing.

Against the spread

HOUSTON -10.5 (-110) is a strong play to cash. The Gaels know what it takes to drop the top-ranked team, winning 2 of the past 7 outright as an underdog against a No. 1 team. Both of those wins were against Gonzaga, including once last February.

However, it isn’t happening here, as Houston’s defense will wreak havoc on Saint Mary’s. The Cougars rank No. 1 in the nation with just 48.0 points allowed per game, while also limiting the opposition to 30.0% from the field and 18.5% from behind the 3-point line, both also the top marks in the country.

Over/Under

UNDER 118.5 (-105) is worth a look, but only play a half-unit.

The Cougars dropped triple digits last time out against Norfolk State, but Houston won’t be able to get out and run against a St. Mary’s team which allows just 57.5 PPG, 19th in the country.

Houston also plays shutdown defense, and we will see a defensive slog early before the Cougars pull away in the second half.

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

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

The No. 5-seed Saint Mary’s Gaels (26-7) meet the No. 4 seed UCLA Bruins (26-7) Saturday for a second-round East Region NCAA Championship Tournament game. Tip-off from Moda Center in Portland, Ore., is slated for 7:10 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Saint Mary’s vs. UCLA odds and lines, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

Saint Mary’s trounced Indiana 82-53 Thursday and is 14-3 over its last 17 games. Two of those three losses were at the hands of West Coast Conference foe Gonzaga, the top-ranked team in the nation. The 53 points allowed against IU was impressive but not shocking. The nationally 16th-ranked Gaels have allowed just 60.3 points per game this season (ninth NCAA-I).

UCLA can nearly match those defensive numbers of late. The Bruins have yielded just 61.5 PPG in going 9-2 since Feb. 17. They allowed 53 in a first-round game against Akron which was too close for comfort (57-53). The nationally 12th-ranked Bruins shot a paltry 35.2% from the floor in that contest. UCLA’s previous eight wins (Feb. 17-March 11) were by an average of 17.1 points before Thursday’s close shave.

Rankings courtesy of the Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

Saint Mary’s vs. UCLA odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:59 a.m. ET.

Money line: Saint Mary’s +125 (bet $100 to win $125) | UCLA -155 (bet $155 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Saint Mary’s +2.5 (-107) | UCLA -2.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 125.5 (O: -115 | U: -107)

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Saint Mary’s vs. UCLA odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

UCLA 67, Saint Mary’s 63

Money line

The mid-range game is a lean for UCLA. The Gaels aren’t weak in defending mid-range jumpers, but it’s not a relative strength either. The Bruins can gain some leverage there.

SMC can also be hurt by the 3-ball. UCLA is competent in that area but more so when it’s home at Pauley Pavilion and they don’t typically fire many attempts from the perimeter.

PASS on this price but UCLA at -145 or better would be worth a look.

Against the spread

The Gaels are 0-4 ATS in their last four NCAA Tournament games as underdogs. The Bruins are 6-1 ATS in their last seven NCAA Tournament games.

Teams that get to the line frequently become an issue for Saint Mary’s. UCLA’s numbers in that vein have generally been on the rise (although it only attempted 13 foul shots Thursday).

Peg the Bruins for some slight but positive margins in turnovers and rebounds and in a game looser on the score than what shows in the lined total. TAKE UCLA -2.5 (-115).

Over/Under

Both teams play at a slow pace. SMC plays at a slowest-15% pace, but their tempo figures have been trending faster of late.

Figuring this one edges closer to 130 due to some efficient back-and-forth, BACK THE OVER 125.5 (-115).

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

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

The 12th-seeded Indiana Hoosiers (21-13) and No. 5 seed Saint Mary’s Gaels (25-7) meet Thursday in an East Region first-round game of the NCAA Tournament. The contest at Moda Center in Portland is slated to tip off at 7:20 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Indiana vs. Saint Mary’s odds and lines, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

Indiana defeated Wyoming 66-58 in a Tuesday First Four contest in Dayton, Ohio. The Hoosiers struggled down the stretch of the regular season (2-7 record from Feb. 5-March 5) before coming alive in the Big Ten Tournament. They defeated Michigan and Illinois before bowing out in a close shave to Iowa in the semifinals.

Saint Mary’s was runner-up to top-ranked Gonzaga in the West Coast Conference. The 16th-ranked Gaels have gone 13-3 over their last 16 games, including 1-2 against Gonzaga. The Gaels are not overly reliant on 3-pointers. They play defense at a high level and are top-notch rebounders on the defensive glass.

Rankings courtesy of the Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

Indiana vs. Saint Mary’s odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 2:52 a.m. ET.

Money line: Indiana +125 (bet $100 to win $125) | Saint Mary’s -155 (bet $155 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Indiana +2.5 (-108) | Saint Mary’s -2.5 (-112)
Over/Under (O/U): 126.5 (O: -107 | U: -115)

[tipico]

Indiana vs. Saint Mary’s odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Saint Mary’s 63, Indiana 59

Money line

PASS.

With IU’s tougher travel this week, peg SMC as a sliver of a lean at -155.

Against the spread

The Gaels are 6-0 ATS in their last six games following a straight-up loss.

IU’s notable performance in the high-profile Big Ten tourney aside, there are some lackluster offensive performances up too close in the rearview mirror.

With its solid 2-point game and some expected edge in turnovers and maybe rebounding, back the better rested GAELS -2.5 (-112).

Over/Under

The Under is 7-1 across SMC’s last eight NCAA Tournament games.

When mid-pace Indiana played some of the slower-tempo Big Ten squads, it was more often dragged into Unders.

Clock the UNDER 126.5 (-115) as a tight lean in this one.

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Gonzaga at Saint Mary’s odds, picks and prediction

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

No. 1 Gonzaga Bulldogs (24-2, 13-0 WCC) visit the No. 23 Saint Mary’s Gaels (23-6, 11-3) Saturday. Tip-off is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET (on ESPN). Below, we look at the Gonzaga vs. Saint Mary’s odds and lines, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

Gonzaga has won 17 in a row, last losing Dec. 4 to now-No. 25 Alabama 91-82 on a neutral floor in Seattle.

The Zags are 8-3-2 against the spread (ATS) since Jan. 1 and 14-10-2 ATS this season. The Bulldogs are a perfect 5-0 on the road. They’re led by C Drew Timme (18.1 points per game) and freshman phenom C Chet Holmgren (14.7 points and team-high 9.8 rebounds per game).

Gonzaga beat Saint Mary’s 74-58 Feb. 12, pushing as a 16-point home favorite. Saint Mary’s is 18-9-1 ATS and a perfect 15-0 straight up at home.

The Gaels are led by F Matthias Tass (12.4 points per game), who is joined by three teammates also averaging double figures in scoring.

Rankings courtesy of the Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

Gonzaga at Saint Mary’s odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 4:03 p.m. ET.

Money line: Gonzaga -700 (bet $700 to win $100) | Saint Mary’s +470 (bet $100 to win $470)
Against the spread: Gonzaga -10.5 (-120) | Saint Mary’s +10.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 144.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)

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Gonzaga at Saint Mary’s odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Gonzaga 75, Saint Mary’s 62

Money line

PASS.

The -700 price for a Gonzaga win is unplayable, although extremely likely. At home, the Zags beat Saint Mary’s by 16 earlier in the season. Betting on a Gaels’ upset at +470 also isn’t a smart play.

Against the spread

LEAN to GONZAGA -10.5 (-120).

It’s not easy to consistently cover a 30-point spread, but Gonzaga has consistently covered spreads of 15 points or less. In the 15-points or less situation, the Bulldogs covered its last 3 (at San Francisco, at BYU and vs. BYU).

Saint Mary’s has been terrific ATS but lost by 16 in the push last time it played Gonzaga, which led by 13 at the half. Timme was 11-for-16 from the field for the Zags in that matchup.

The Bulldogs are a dominant side and have been reliable in conference play, going 8-3-2 ATS.

Over/Under

BET UNDER 144.5 (-108).

Despite the Zags’ high-pace offense, the Gaels held the Bulldogs to just 74 points in the first meeting. Saint Mary’s has been terrific defensively, ranking 11th in the nation in opponents’ points per game (59.5).

Offensively, the Gaels average just 69.7 points per game. So, as long as they limit the Bulldogs, similar to what they did last time, the Under should be the better play.

Both teams have also consistently hit the Under with Gonzaga 11-15 O/U and Saint Mary’s 13-14-1 O/U.

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Saint Mary’s at San Diego State odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Tuesday’s Saint Mary’s Gaels at San Diego State Aztecs sports betting odds and lines, with college basketball betting picks, tips and predictions.

The Saint Mary’s Gaels (8-1, 0-0 WCC) and San Diego State Aztecs (5-1, 0-0 MWC) Tuesday for a 9 p.m. tip on a neutral court on the campus of Cal State San Luis Obispo. Below, we analyze the St. Mary’s-San Diego State college basketball betting odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Saint Mary’s vs. San Diego State: Betting odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:10 a.m. ET.

Money line: Saint Mary’s +125 (bet $100 to win $125) | San Diego State -150 (bet $150 to win $100)
Against the spread/ATS: Saint Mary’s +2.5 (-110) | San Diego State -2.5 (-110)
Over/Under: 126.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

Saint Mary’s vs. San Diego State: Three things to know

Originally this game was supposed to be played at SMC in Moraga, but strict COVID-19 restrictions in the Bay Area forced this game elsewhere. The two schools agreed to meet halfway between their campuses at Cal State SLO in a strong mid-major battle.
San Diego State was dropped by another WCC team, BYU, in their most recent game on Dec. 18, 72-62. They’re 1-1 SU/ATS against WCC teams so far this season, beating Pepperdine on Dec. 6. The Over has cashed in three of the past four outings for the Aztecs.
Saint Mary’s won a defensive battle, 53-33, against Colorado State as six-point favorites. It was a rare Under result, as the Over was 4-0 in the previous four outings. The Gaels have also won eight straight since an opening game loss on a neutral site against Memphis back on Nov. 25.

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Saint Mary’s vs. San Diego State: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

San Diego State 63, Saint Mary’s 61

Money line (ML)

SAN DIEGO STATE (-150) is actually a better play on the money line than against the spread. The Aztecs are going to be ornery after a 10-point loss last time out against BYU, knocking them from the Top 25 rankings. They’re worth the extra juice just playing straight up in what should be a tight defensive battle.

Against the spread (ATS)

Saint Mary’s +2.5 (-110) is the lean, if I were forced to pick a side and stick with it. But again, I prefer San Diego State on the money line instead. This is going to be a fun game, though, and we’ll see both of these sides with high seedings come NCAA Tournament time. PASS.

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 126.5 (-115) is a good play, but don’t get carried away. The Over has connected in each of the past two for San Diego State, as their averaging a healthy 73.3 PPG.

But defensively, the Aztecs are allowing 59.5 PPG. St. Mary’s also plays a pretty solid brand of defense, allowing just 60.7 PPG to date. They’re good for 72.3 PPG, and they’re a pretty decent free-throw shooting team at 74.4 percent. However, the Gaels allowed just 33 points last time out.

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