The Saint Mary’s Gaels (9-6) head to San Francisco to take on the Dons (12-2) in a matchup that pits phenomenal offense against tremendous defense. The game starts at 9 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 3, 2019, and will air on ESPN2.
Saint Mary’s Gaels vs. San Francisco Dons Free Prediction
In the Gaels’ last contest, they blew out the McNeese State Cowboys, 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). Malik Fitts had a solid performance for Saint Mary’s, recording 19 points and 12 rebounds.
The Dons dismantled the UC Davis Aggies in their last outing, 76-42. The Dons had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (32.4 vs. 13.5) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.574 vs. 0.304). With 14 points, Jordan Ratinho put together a good game for San Francisco.
After splitting two games last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. The Dons won the last contest 70-63. The Dons had a much better free throw rate (0.360 vs. 0.196) and had a better turnover percentage (10.0 vs. 12.6).
Jordan Ford has averaged 0 points over the last five games for Saint Mary’s.
This showdown figures to be a high-scoring affair as a pair of the nation’s top offenses battle. San Francisco ranks 32nd with 115.6 points per 100 possessions and Saint Mary’s is 14th (117.5).
Saint Mary’s at San Francisco ATS Pick
Pick: SU Winner – San Francisco, ATS Winner – San Francisco, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
San Francisco ranks 20th in rebounds per game (40.8) while Saint Mary’s ranks 190th (34.6).
The Gaels rank ninth in three pointers allowed per game (17.8) while the Dons rank 65th (20.5).
San Francisco ranks 11th in assists allowed per game (10.1) while Saint Mary’s ranks 21st (10.3).
The Dons are sixth in the nation with 4.2 steals allowed per game while the Gaels are 15th with 4.8 steals allowed per game.
Bettings Trends:
The Gaels’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 9.0, down from 11.4 for the season.
During their last five games, the Dons have scored an average of 80.4 points per game (2.1 above their season average) and allowed an average of 51.0 points per game (8.9 below their season average).
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