The Saint Mary’s Gaels (14-9, 5-3 WCC) welcome the Pacific Tigers (13-11, 3-6 WCC) to McKeon Pavilion as they try to prolong their six-game home winning streak. The game starts at 11 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 7, 2019, and will air on ESPNU.
Pacific Tigers vs. Saint Mary’s Gaels Free Prediction
The last time the Tigers played, they topped the Pepperdine Waves, 66-59. Pacific had an effective field goal percentage of 0.573 (above their season average of 0.491). Pepperdine, on the other hand, had a free throw rate of 0.354 (above their season average of 0.267). Pacific received a boost from Lafayette Dorsey, who was the top scorer from either team with 20 points on 8-for-14 shooting.
The Gaels were victorious over the San Francisco Dons in their last matchup, 86-80. The Gaels were 9-12 from the foul line (75.0 percent) and held the Dons to an offensive rebounding percentage of 21.9 (below their season average of 30.5). Malik Fitts was the game’s leading scorer with 30 points on 12-for-20 shooting from the field.
After the Gaels won both games against the Tigers last season, these teams will battle for the first time this year. In the last matchup, Saint Mary’s won 72-69. Saint Mary’s’ free throw rate was their biggest strength over Pacific. The Gaels had a rate of 0.360, while the Tigers posted a mark of 0.327.
Half-court execution will be critical when a pair of the nation’s slowest-paced teams face off. Saint Mary’s currently ranks 330th in possessions per game (65.9) and Pacific is 254th (68.0).
Pacific vs. Saint Mary’s ATS Pick
Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Saint Mary’s, ATS Winner – Saint Mary’s, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Saint Mary’s ranks fourth in three pointers allowed per game (17.1) while Pacific ranks 153rd (22.8).
The Gaels rank seventh in steals allowed per game (4.5) while the Tigers rank 82nd (6.0).
Saint Mary’s ranks 190th in rebounds per game (34.8) while Pacific ranks 235th (33.6).
The Gaels rank 219th in assists per game (11.4) while the Tigers rank 246th (10.4).
Bettings Trends:
The Tigers’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 4.0, up from 0.7 for the season.
During their last five games, the Gaels have scored an average of 76.0 points per game (1.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 69.8 points per game (2.8 above their season average).
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