The Sacramento State Hornets (1-6) look to put an end to their five-game losing streak when they meet the Saint Mary’s Gaels (6-2) at McKeon Pavilion. The game starts at 10:05 p.m. ET on Monday, December 4, 2017.
The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 138.5 points with Saint Mary’s opening as a 25-point favorite.
Sacramento State Hornets vs. Saint Mary’s Gaels Betting Prediction
The Hornets are hoping for a better outcome after their 74-69 loss to the Saint Joseph’s Hawks in their last outing. Getting to the charity stripe was one of Saint Joseph’s’ largest advantages. They had 33 free throw attempts, while Sacramento State had 21. Justin Strings led Sacramento State in scoring with 20 points on 7-for-16 shooting.
The last time the Gaels played, they were victorious over the California Golden Bears, 74-63. The Gaels knocked down 18 of their 21 free throws (85.7 percent), while the Golden Bears had a turnover percentage of 17.2 (above the 14.2 mark opponents have averaged against Saint Mary’s this season). With 17 points and six rebounds, Saint Mary’s’ Jordan Ford put together a solid game.
The productive offense of Saint Mary’s will face off against the porous defense of Sacramento State. Since last season, the Gaels rank fourth in offensive efficiency, while the Hornets are 279th in defensive efficiency. The Gaels figure to have the edge on that end of the court. Additionally, the Hornets rank 259th in offensive rebounding percentage (27.5 percent), while the Gaels rank second in defensive rebounding percentage (77.8 percent).
Sacramento State has a respectable record against the spread (4-2), despite being 1-6 straight up (SU). Games featuring the Hornets have a tendency to go under the O/U total (66.7 percent).
Saint Mary’s is 6-2 SU, but they are just 2-4 ATS. Vegas has been spot on when predicting totals of Gaels games, with an even split between overs and unders.
Sacramento State Hornets at Saint Mary’s Gaels Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Saint Mary’s, ATS Winner – Sacramento State, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
Saint Mary’s ranks first in rebounds allowed per game (26.9) while Sacramento State ranks 192nd (35.5).
The Gaels rank second in assists allowed per game (9.5) while the Hornets rank 191st (13.7).
Saint Mary’s ranks 170th in three pointers attempted per game (21.2) while Sacramento State ranks 315th (16.8).
The Gaels rank 41st in steals allowed per game (5.2) while the Hornets rank 151st (6.2).
Saint Mary’s ranks 43rd in blocks allowed per game (2.7) while Sacramento State ranks 49th (2.8).
