The No. 12 Gonzaga Bulldogs (10-2) travel to San Diego State to take on the Aztecs (7-3) in a matchup that pits phenomenal offense against tremendous defense. The game can be seen on CBS Sports Network at 10 p.m. ET on Thursday, December 21, 2017.
Gonzaga is a 3.5-point favorite on the opening line, while the game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 152.5 points.
Gonzaga Bulldogs at San Diego State Aztecs Betting Prediction
The last time the Bulldogs played, they blew out the IUPUI Jaguars, 101-71. The Bulldogs knocked down 25 of their 29 free throws (86.2 percent) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.760 (above their season average of 0.578). Gonzaga was lifted by Johnathan Williams III, who finished with 17 points and 14 rebounds.
The Aztecs lost a close one to the California Golden Bears in their last matchup, 63-62. California’s 28.6 offensive rebounding percentage was their largest advantage over San Diego State, who had a rate of 13.8. The Golden Bears’ mark was below their season average of 34.1, while the Aztecs’ was below their season average of 34.9. Malik Pope had a good game for San Diego State, leading both teams in scoring with 20 points on 7-for-11 shooting.
The game should be a showdown of strength against strength as the high-powered offense of Gonzaga (ninth in the NCAA with an offensive efficiency of 122.3) takes on the top-notch defense of San Diego State (13th in the NCAA with a defensive efficiency of 88.4).
Gonzaga heads into the game with records of 10-2 straight up (SU) and 5-4 against the spread (ATS). Vegas has a tendency to place the total low when the Bulldogs are involved, as 77.8 percent of their games have finished over the total.
Meanwhile, San Diego State owns records of 7-3 SU and 5-3 ATS. Aztecs games also tend to finish over the total (62.5 percent).
After the Bulldogs won the only contest against the Aztecs last season, 69-48, these teams will meet for the first time this year. The Bulldogs had a much better turnover percentage (8.8 vs. 19.4) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (23.3 vs. 16.7).
Gonzaga Bulldogs at San Diego State Aztecs Odds Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Gonzaga, ATS Winner – Gonzaga, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Gonzaga is 3-2 ATS on the road with 4 overs and 1 under.
At home, San Diego State is 2-1 ATS with 2 unders and 1 over.
Gonzaga ranks 56th in three pointers attempted per game (25.4) while San Diego State ranks 203rd in three pointers allowed per game (24.4).
The Bulldogs rank 43rd in steals per game (7.9) while the Aztecs rank 173rd in steals allowed per game (7.8).
Gonzaga averages 17.3 assists per game, which ranks 29th in the NCAA. San Diego State ranks 120th in assists allowed per game (13.3).
The Bulldogs rank 24th in rebounds per game (40.8) while the Aztecs rank 90th in rebounds allowed per game (33.5).
Gonzaga ranks 37th in blocks allowed per game (2.5) while San Diego State ranks 93rd (3.4).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Gonzaga is 3-2 ATS with 5 overs.
San Diego State is 3-2 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over their last five games.
The Bulldogs’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 12.8, down from 16.9 for the season.
During their last five games, the Aztecs have scored an average of 72.8 points per game (6.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 66.6 points per game (2.4 above their season average).
