It will be a battle between WCC opponents when the No. 20 Gonzaga Bulldogs (11-3, 1-0 WCC) welcome the Santa Clara Broncos (4-9, 1-0 WCC) to McCarthey Athletic Center. The game is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 30, 2017.
Santa Clara Broncos vs. Gonzaga Bulldogs Betting Prediction
The last time the Broncos played, they defeated the Pepperdine Waves, 72-65. Santa Clara’s 10.9 turnover percentage was their largest strength over Pepperdine, who had a mark of 22.1. The Broncos’ mark was better than their season average of 14.6, while the Waves’ was above their season average of 15.7. Santa Clara was led by KJ Feagin, who put up 15 points and six assists.
The Bulldogs dismantled the Pacific Tigers in their last matchup, 81-48. The Bulldogs, who came into the game averaging an offensive rebounding percentage of 35.2, had a ridiculous mark of 42.1 and had a turnover percentage of 8.8 (better than their season average of 16.2). With 16 points and five assists, Gonzaga’s Josh Perkins had a solid outing.
The productive offense of Gonzaga will go head-to-head against the bottom-tier defense of Santa Clara. The Bulldogs rank 11th in offensive efficiency, while the Broncos are 280th in defensive efficiency. The Bulldogs figure to have the advantage on that side of the ball. Furthermore, the Broncos rank 26th in turnover percentage (16.0 percent), while the Bulldogs rank 251st in opponents’ turnover percentage (18.2 percent).
After the Bulldogs won all three contests against the Broncos last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the last matchup, Gonzaga won 77-68. Gonzaga did a fantastic job of making free throws (16-20; 80.0 percent). Santa Clara, on the other hand, had a better turnover percentage (6.9 vs. 11.6).
Santa Clara Broncos vs. Gonzaga Bulldogs ATS Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Gonzaga, ATS Winner – Gonzaga, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Gonzaga ranks 16th in rebounds per game (41.2) while Santa Clara ranks 263rd (29.5).
The Bulldogs rank 35th in assists per game (17.0) while the Broncos rank 227th in assists allowed per game (16.8).
Santa Clara ranks 14th in three pointers allowed per game (17.2) while Gonzaga ranks 146th (22.4).
The Bulldogs rank 28th in blocks allowed per game (2.4) while the Broncos rank 107th (3.6).
Santa Clara ranks 22nd in steals allowed per game (4.9) while Gonzaga ranks 62nd (5.8).
Bettings Trends:
The Broncos’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 7.8, up from 0.4 for the season.
During their last five games, the Bulldogs have scored an average of 87.6 points per game (1.9 below their season average) and allowed an average of 68.8 points per game (4.0 below their season average).
