It will be a matchup of two teams headed in opposite directions when the No. 5 Gonzaga Bulldogs (17-2, 4-0 WCC) meet the Portland Pilots (7-12, 0-4 WCC) at Earle A. Chiles Center. The Bulldogs have won eight consecutive games, while the Pilots are on a five-game losing streak. The game is scheduled to start at 10 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 19, 2019.
Gonzaga Bulldogs vs. Portland Pilots Free Prediction
The last time the Bulldogs played, they blew out the Loyola Marymount Lions, 73-55. The Bulldogs held the Lions to an effective field goal percentage of 0.427 (below their season average of 0.501). The Lions had a free throw rate of 0.145 (below their season average of 0.284). Gonzaga rallied around Zach Norvell Jr., who was the game’s leading scorer with 17 points on 7-for-15 shooting.
The Pilots lost big to the San Diego Toreros in their last outing, 76-55. San Diego’s offensive rebounding percentage was their largest strength over Portland. The Toreros had a rate of 28.1 (above their season average of 26.8), while the Pilots posted a mark of 15.9 (below their season average of 22.0). With 21 points on 6-for-11 shooting, Marcus Shaver Jr. was the top scorer from either team.
After the Bulldogs won both contests against the Pilots last season, these teams will meet for the first time this year. In the most recent contest, Gonzaga won 95-79. The Bulldogs had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (42.9 vs. 16.7) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.633 vs. 0.510).
The ineffective offense of Portland will face off against the elite defense of Gonzaga. The Pilots currently rank 297th in offensive efficiency, while the Bulldogs are 22nd in defensive efficiency. The Bulldogs figure to have the edge on that end of the court. Moreover, the Bulldogs rank 13th in turnover percentage (15.4 percent), while the Pilots rank 294th in opponents’ turnover percentage (17.3 percent).
Gonzaga vs. Portland Free Pick
Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Gonzaga, ATS Winner – Portland, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Gonzaga averages 39.7 rebounds per game, which ranks 35th in the nation. Portland ranks 247th in rebounds allowed per game (38.3).
The Bulldogs average 18.3 assists per game, which ranks seventh in the country. The Pilots rank 196th in assists allowed per game (14.9).
Gonzaga ranks sixth in blocks allowed per game (2.1) while Portland ranks 82nd (3.2).
The Bulldogs rank 122nd in three pointers attempted per game (23.0) while the Pilots rank 176th in three pointers allowed per game (23.6).
Gonzaga ranks 20th in steals allowed per game (5.0) while Portland ranks 63rd (5.8).
Bettings Trends:
The Bulldogs’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 28.0, up from 23.4 for the season.
During their last five games, the Pilots have scored an average of 59.2 points per game (9.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 75.0 points per game (0.8 above their season average).
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