The Washington Huskies (21-12) face off against the No. 25 Saint Mary’s Gaels (29-5) in the NIT at McKeon Pavilion. The game will air on ESPNU at 11 p.m. ET on Monday, March 19, 2018.
Saint Mary’s opened as a 10-point favorite, while the game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 145 points.
Washington Huskies at Saint Mary’s Gaels Free Prediction
The Huskies will be looking for a similar result after narrowly defeating the Boise State Broncos in their last matchup, 77-74. Washington held the Broncos to an effective field goal percentage of 0.415 (below their season average of 0.547). Boise State, on the other hand, had an offensive rebounding percentage of 35.7 (above their season average of 29.2). With 25 points on 8-for-16 shooting, Jaylen Nowell led Washington in scoring.
In the Gaels’ last game, they won big over the Southeastern Louisiana Lions, 89-45. The Gaels, who came into the game averaging an offensive rebounding percentage of 28.0, had a fantastic mark of 36.0 and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.703 (above their season average of 0.585). Jock Landale was the game’s high scorer with 26 points on 11-for-15 shooting.
Based on each team’s statistical profile, ball security could play a key role in this meeting. Saint Mary’s commits the 15th-fewest miscues in the NCAA (turnover percentage of 15.2 percent), while the pesky defense of Washington forces the 41st-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 21.4 percent).
Washington holds records of 21-12 straight up (SU) and 15-14-2 against the spread (ATS). Vegas tends to set the total high when the Huskies are involved, as 18 of their 31 games have gone under the total.
Saint Mary’s has a phenomenal 29-5 SU record, but they are just 13-17 ATS. Gaels games also have typically gone under the O/U total (70.0 percent).
Jordan Ford has averaged 17.2 points over the last five games for Saint Mary’s.
Washington Huskies at Saint Mary’s Gaels Free Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Saint Mary’s, ATS Winner – Washington, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Washington ranks 15th in steals per game (8.0) while Saint Mary’s ranks 258th (4.4).
The Gaels rank 52nd in assists per game (15.6) while the Huskies rank 273rd in assists allowed per game (15.6).
Washington ranks 16th in blocks per game (5.2) while Saint Mary’s ranks 201st (2.7).
The Gaels rank first in rebounds allowed per game (27.7) while the Huskies rank 183rd (35.4).
Saint Mary’s ranks eighth in three pointers allowed per game (16.8) while Washington ranks 113th (20.9).
Bettings Trends:
The Huskies’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 2.2, up from 1.7 for the season.
During their last five games, the Gaels have scored an average of 74.4 points per game (2.9 below their season average) and allowed an average of 59.4 points per game (4.5 below their season average).
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