The No. 5 Gonzaga Bulldogs (15-2, 2-0 WCC) head to San Francisco to take on the Dons (14-2, 2-0 WCC) in a matchup that pits great offense against stifling defense. The game starts at 10 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 12, 2019, and will air on ESPN2.
Gonzaga Bulldogs vs. San Francisco Dons Free Prediction
In the Bulldogs’ last outing, they thoroughly outplayed the Pacific Tigers, 67-36. The Bulldogs forced 22 turnovers, while the Tigers had a free throw rate of 0.178 (below their season average of 0.362). Gonzaga was lifted by Brandon Clarke, who contributed 10 points, eight rebounds and five blocks.
The Dons barely escaped the Pepperdine Waves in their last contest, 72-69. San Francisco’s effective field goal percentage was their biggest strength over Pepperdine. The Dons had a rate of 0.538 (below their season average of 0.540), while the Waves posted a mark of 0.388 (below their season average of 0.529). Charles Minlend was the game’s top scorer with 21 points on 6-for-11 shooting from the field.
After the Bulldogs won all three games against the Dons last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the last contest, Gonzaga won 88-60. The Bulldogs had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.633 vs. 0.408) and had a better turnover percentage (11.9 vs. 16.3).
The game should be a battle of strength against strength as the high-powered offense of San Francisco (37th in the NCAA with an offensive efficiency of 114.4) takes on the stingy defense of Gonzaga (24th in the nation with a defensive efficiency of 91.5). It will also be a battle of opposite styles as the up-and-down Bulldogs rank 46th in possessions per game, while the more half-court oriented Dons rank 279th.
Gonzaga Bulldogs vs. San Francisco Dons Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Gonzaga, ATS Winner – Gonzaga, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
San Francisco ranks 49th in three pointers allowed per game (20.0) while Gonzaga ranks 148th (23.1).
The Bulldogs rank seventh in assists per game (18.7) while the Dons rank 103rd (14.3).
Gonzaga ranks 12th in blocks per game (5.6) while San Francisco ranks 96th (3.4).
The Dons rank 25th in rebounds per game (40.4) while the Bulldogs rank 107th in rebounds allowed per game (34.4).
Gonzaga ranks 42nd in steals per game (8.1) while San Francisco ranks 95th (6.8).
Bettings Trends:
The Bulldogs’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 43.0, up from 24.4 for the season.
During their last five games, the Dons have scored an average of 73.8 points per game (0.6 above their season average) and allowed an average of 67.8 points per game (10.2 above their season average).
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