Offense meets defense when the Saint Mary’s Gaels (1-0) welcome the Utah Valley Wolverines (1-1) to McKeon Pavilion. The game is scheduled to start at 8 p.m. ET on Sunday, November 11, 2018.
Utah Valley Wolverines vs. Saint Mary’s Gaels Betting Prediction
In the Wolverines’ last matchup, they were defeated by the BYU Cougars, 75-65. Getting to the charity stripe was one of BYU’s biggest strengths. They had 25 free throw attempts, while Utah Valley had 15. Baylee Steele had a good game for Utah Valley, contributing two points and 19 rebounds.
The Gaels easily got past the McNeese State Cowboys in their last contest, 87-65. The Gaels had a much better turnover percentage (7.1 vs. 16.8) and had a better free throw rate (0.167 vs. 0.119). With 19 points and 12 rebounds, Saint Mary’s’ Malik Fitts played well.
This battle pits one of the country’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses as Saint Mary’s ranks third in offensive efficiency and Utah Valley is 31st in defensive efficiency dating back to the 2017-18 season. Furthermore, the Wolverines have been among the country’s best at getting to the line, ranking 60th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.274). The Gaels, however, rank 15th at keeping opponents off the charity stripe with an opponents’ FTA rate of 0.176.
Utah Valley at Saint Mary’s Free Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Saint Mary’s, ATS Winner – Saint Mary’s, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
Saint Mary’s ranks 50th in assists per game (15.5) while Utah Valley ranks 250th in assists allowed per game (14.7).
The Wolverines rank 49th in rebounds per game (38.4) while the Gaels rank 246th (33.7).
Saint Mary’s ranks 55th in steals allowed per game (5.4) while Utah Valley ranks 245th (7.3).
The Gaels rank 10th in three pointers allowed per game (17.1) while the Wolverines rank 136th (21.3).
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