The BYU Cougars (12-2, 1-0 WCC) go head-to-head against the Saint Mary’s Gaels (12-2, 1-0 WCC) will try to extend their winning streaks when they square off at Marriott Center. The Cougars have won nine consecutive games, while the Gaels are riding a seven-game winning streak. The game is scheduled to get underway at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 30, 2017.
Saint Mary’s Gaels at BYU Cougars ATS Prediction
In the Gaels’ last matchup, they thoroughly outplayed the Loyola Marymount Lions, 87-59. The Gaels, who came into the game averaging an effective field goal percentage of 0.583, had a phenomenal mark of 0.720 and held the Lions to an offensive rebounding percentage of 25.7 (below their season average of 40.2). Saint Mary’s rallied around Jock Landale, who was the top scorer from either team with 21 points on 9-for-15 shooting.
The Cougars easily got past the Portland Pilots in their last outing, 69-45. The Cougars made 14 of their 19 free throws (73.7 percent) and held the Pilots to an offensive rebounding percentage of 13.0 (below their season average of 23.2). Yoeli Childs was the top scorer from either team with 26 points on 9-for-15 shooting.
Half-court execution will be of utmost importance when a pair of the nation’s slowest-paced teams battle. BYU ranks 280th in possessions per game (68.4) and Saint Mary’s is 345th (64.5).
Landale has averaged 23.8 points and 11.8 rebounds over the last five games for Saint Mary’s.
After the Gaels won all three matchups against the Cougars last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the last matchup, Saint Mary’s won 81-50. The Gaels had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.683 vs. 0.350) and had a better free throw rate (0.192 vs. 0.133).
Saint Mary’s Gaels at BYU Cougars Odds Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Saint Mary’s, ATS Winner – Saint Mary’s, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Saint Mary’s ranks 13th in steals allowed per game (4.6) while BYU ranks 74th (5.9).
The Gaels rank 11th in three pointers allowed per game (16.8) while the Cougars rank 63rd (20.1).
Saint Mary’s averages 17.8 assists per game, which ranks 26th in the NCAA. BYU ranks 75th in assists allowed per game (12.1).
The Cougars rank 61st in blocks per game (4.4) while the Gaels rank 87th in blocks allowed per game (3.4).
Saint Mary’s ranks first in rebounds allowed per game (27.8) while BYU ranks 26th (31.1).
Bettings Trends:
The Gaels’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 20.0, up from 15.0 for the season.
During their last five games, the Cougars have scored an average of 75.6 points per game (0.9 below their season average) and allowed an average of 60.2 points per game (5.8 below their season average).
