The Washington Huskies (7-2) put their five-game winning streak on the line when they take on the No. 12 Gonzaga Bulldogs (7-2) at Alaska Airlines Arena. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Sunday, December 10, 2017, and will air on Pac-12 Network.
The Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 156.5 points with Gonzaga set as an 8.5-point favorite.
Gonzaga Bulldogs vs. Washington Huskies ATS Prediction
In the Bulldogs’ last matchup, they were defeated by the No. 4 Villanova Wildcats, 88-72. Villanova’s 14.7 turnover percentage was their largest strength over Gonzaga, who had a rate of 23.7. The Wildcats’ mark was worse than their season average of 14.6, while the Bulldogs’ was above their season average of 15.1. Zach Norvell Jr. was Gonzaga’s leading scorer with 22 points on 8-for-12 shooting.
The Huskies were victorious over the No. 2 Kansas Jayhawks in their last outing, 74-65. The Huskies had a better free throw rate (0.117 vs. 0.065) and held the Jayhawks to an offensive rebounding percentage of 22.9 (below their season average of 30.7). With 13 points, 14 rebounds and five assists, Noah Dickerson put together a solid performance for Washington.
The offense of Washington will battle against the top-notch defense of Gonzaga. Dating back to the 2016-17 season, the Huskies rank 153rd in offensive efficiency, while the Bulldogs are 17th in defensive efficiency. The Bulldogs should have the advantage on that end of the court. The Bulldogs should be expected to protect the ball well. They rank 51st at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 16.8 percent). Conversely, the Huskies have forced the 79th-fewest turnovers in the NCAA (opponents’ turnover percentage of 17.7 percent).
Gonzaga heads into the game with records of 7-2 straight up (SU) and 3-3 against the spread (ATS). Vegas tends to set the total low when the Bulldogs are involved, as 66.7 percent of their games have finished over the O/U total.
Meanwhile, Washington owns records of 7-2 SU and 4-3-1 ATS. Vegas is extremely accurate when setting the O/U total of Huskies games, with an even split between overs and unders.
The Bulldogs won the sole game against the Huskies last season, 98-71. Gonzaga had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.600 vs. 0.335). Washington, meanwhile, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (48.3 vs. 30.6).
Gonzaga Bulldogs at Washington Huskies Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Gonzaga, ATS Winner – Gonzaga, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
Gonzaga ranks eighth in assists allowed per game (10.3) while Washington ranks 226th (16.0).
The Bulldogs rank 46th in steals allowed per game (5.3) while the Huskies rank 160th (6.8).
Gonzaga ranks 23rd in rebounds per game (40.7) while Washington ranks 120th in rebounds allowed per game (34.5).
The Bulldogs average 4.4 blocks per game, which ranks 53rd in the NCAA. The Huskies rank 106th in blocks allowed per game (3.4).
