Offense meets defense when the Saint Mary’s Gaels (10-7, 1-1 WCC) head to Loyola Marymount to take on the Lions (13-3, 1-1 WCC). The game is scheduled to begin at 10 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 12, 2019.
Saint Mary’s Gaels at Loyola Marymount Lions ATS Prediction
The last time the Gaels played, they blew out the BYU Cougars, 88-66. Saint Mary’s’ 9.3 turnover percentage was their largest strength over BYU, who had a rate of 17.0. The Gaels’ mark was better than their season average of 13.6, while the Cougars’ was above their season average of 13.5. Malik Fitts led the way for Saint Mary’s, contributing 18 points and nine rebounds.
The Lions beat the Portland Pilots in their last outing, 76-64. The Lions had a turnover percentage of 12.2 (better than their season average of 17.4) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (32.3 vs. 20.0). With 17 points and 10 rebounds, Loyola Marymount’s Mattias Markusson had a solid performance.
Half-court execution will be at a premium when a pair of the country’s slowest-paced teams face off. Loyola Marymount currently ranks 321st in possessions per game (66.4) and Saint Mary’s is 324th (66.3). Additionally, the 15th-ranked offense of the Gaels (offensive efficiency of 117.1) will go head-to-head against the 22nd-ranked defense of the Lions (defensive efficiency of 91.2).
After the Gaels won both meetings against the Lions last season, these teams will battle for the first time this year. In the most recent contest, Saint Mary’s won 83-62. The Gaels had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.700 vs. 0.473) and had a better free throw rate (0.260 vs. 0.182).
Saint Mary’s Gaels vs. Loyola Marymount Lions Odds Pick
Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Loyola Marymount, ATS Winner – Loyola Marymount, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Saint Mary’s ranks 17th in assists allowed per game (10.1) while Loyola Marymount ranks 123rd (13.2).
The Gaels rank sixth in steals allowed per game (4.5) while the Lions rank 75th (6.1).
Saint Mary’s ranks 12th in three pointers allowed per game (17.7) while Loyola Marymount ranks 77th (20.8).
The Lions allow the sixth-fewest rebounds per game (28.9) while the Gaels rank 17th (30.6).
Bettings Trends:
The Gaels’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 14.8, up from 11.1 for the season.
During their last five games, the Lions have scored an average of 67.6 points per game (3.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 65.8 points per game (5.2 above their season average).
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