The No. 2 Gonzaga Bulldogs (21-1, 7-0 WCC) visit Santa Clara to take on the Broncos (17-5, 4-3 WCC) in what should be a fast-paced game. The game starts at 10:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 30, 2020, and will air on CBS Sports Network.
Gonzaga Bulldogs vs. Santa Clara Broncos ATS Prediction
The last time the Bulldogs played, they blew out the Pacific Tigers, 92-59. The Bulldogs forced 15 turnovers, while the Tigers had a free throw rate of 0.161 (below their season average of 0.237). Gonzaga was lifted by Killian Tillie, who was the top scorer from either team with 22 points on 9-for-11 shooting.
The Broncos beat the San Diego Toreros in their last contest, 65-52. Santa Clara’s effective field goal percentage was their largest strength over San Diego. The Broncos had a rate of 0.510 (below their season average of 0.537), while the Toreros posted a mark of 0.331 (below their season average of 0.482). Josip Vrankic was the game’s high scorer with 20 points on 7-for-13 shooting from the field.
There could be plenty of transition action in this battle that features a pair of the country’s more up-and-down teams. Santa Clara currently ranks 40th in possessions per game (73.0) and Gonzaga is 45th (72.8).
Both teams have had a player take their game to the next level over their last five games. Admon Gilder (13 points,2.0 steals) has been stellar for the Bulldogs while Vrankic (18 points,1.6 steals) has made great contributions to the Broncos.
This will be the second game of the season between these two teams. In the first, Drew Timme had 15 points and 11 rebounds and the Bulldogs beat the Broncos 104-54. The Bulldogs made 28 of their 32 free throws (87.5 percent) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.576 vs. 0.326).
Gonzaga Bulldogs vs. Santa Clara Broncos Odds Pick
Free Prediction: ATS Winner – Santa Clara, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
Gonzaga ranks ninth in rebounds per game (41.3) while Santa Clara ranks 174th (35.1).
The Bulldogs average 7.9 steals per game, which ranks 51st in the country. The Broncos rank 154th in steals allowed per game (7.1).
Gonzaga ranks fifth in assists per game (17.9) while Santa Clara ranks 100th in assists allowed per game (12.1).
The Broncos rank 45th in three pointers allowed per game (19.1) while the Bulldogs rank 107th (21.0).
Santa Clara blocks 4.0 opponent shots per game, which is ranked 68th in the nation. Gonzaga ranks 79th in blocks allowed per game (3.1).
The Bulldogs’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 35.0, up from 22.5 for the season.
During their last five games, the Broncos have scored an average of 71.2 points per game (2.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 78.4 points per game (12.0 above their season average).