On Saturday, the No. 22 Saint Mary’s Gaels (20-5, 8-2 WCC) visit the Gonzaga Bulldogs (20-2, 9-0). Tip-off is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Saint Mary’s vs. Gonzaga odds and lines, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.
The Bulldogs’ are 14-0 at home this season.
Oddly enough, they’re also 3-0 on the road and just 3-2 on a neutral court, losing to both Alabama and Duke. While they rank atop the NCAA, they are just 12-10 against the spread (ATS) this season.
Gonzaga is 7-2-1 ATS over their last 10, though, failing to cover as 32.5 and 34-point favorites. Saint Mary’s will pose a challenge and have been the best covering team in the conference this season. It has a 16-8 ATS record.
Saint Mary’s has played well this season behind a balanced offensive attack (four players average double figures) and a dominant defense that ranks 10th in opponents’ points per game in the nation, allowing just 59.1.
Rankings courtesy of the Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.
Saint Mary’s at Gonzaga 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 11:30 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Saint Mary’s +800 (bet $100 to win $800) | Gonzaga -1600 (bet $1600 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Saint Mary’s +15.5 (-105) | Gonzaga -15.5 (-120)
- Over/Under (O/U): 147.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)
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Saint Mary’s at Gonzaga odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Gonzaga 74, Saint Mary’s 65
Money line
PASS.
It’s tempting to put Gonzaga in a parlay, but even at -1600, there’s little it’ll do to enhance those odds. Upsets happen. Stay away on this one as the risk isn’t worth the reward.
Against the spread
“LEAN” to SAINT MARY’S +15.5 (-105).
Gonzaga is a formidable foe, but they’ve shown weaknesses this season. The Bulldogs are just 3-2 ATS against ranked opponents.
While Gonzaga should come out on top, it’ll be taking on a team that has one of the best defenses in the nation. So the game may struggle to open up more than 16 points.
Both teams have covered 7 of their last 10. Gonzaga has only beaten 1 of the 5 ranked teams it has played by 15-plus. Given the Zags’ dominance, this is certainly just a lean with the best play being on the total.
Over/Under
BET the UNDER 147.5 (-110).
The Bulldogs Under has hit in 4 of their last 6 games; however, it’s far from Gonzaga’s fault as they have scored over 85 in its last 5.
Playing a competent defense, the Zags’ high-paced offense should get slowed down. Despite averaging the most points per game in the nation (90.8), the Zags are just 12-10 O/U.
The Bulldogs defense ranks third in opponents’ field goal percentage, holding their challengers to 37%. They’re a swarming bunch and will meet another top-tier defense.
Saint Mary’s is 12-11-1 O/U and have helped 3 of its last 4 opponents to 60 or less. Both defenses are among the best in the nation, and I’d bank on fewer points in this battle.
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