Offense meets defense when the BYU Cougars (14-5, 3-1 WCC) head to Gonzaga to take on the No. 1 Bulldogs (19-1, 5-0 WCC). The game will air on ESPN2 at 10 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 18, 2020.
BYU Cougars at Gonzaga Bulldogs Betting Prediction
The last time the Cougars played, they thoroughly outplayed the San Diego Toreros, 93-70. BYU’s turnover percentage was their largest advantage over San Diego. The Cougars had a rate of 12.6 (better than their season average of 15.1), while the Toreros posted a mark of 20.2 (above the 16.3 mark opponents have averaged against BYU this season). With 21 points on 8-for-8 shooting, Kolby Lee was the game’s leading scorer.
The Bulldogs easily got past the Santa Clara Broncos in their last matchup, 104-54. The Bulldogs knocked down 28 of their 32 free throws (87.5 percent) and held the Broncos to an effective field goal percentage of 0.326 (below their season average of 0.549). With 15 points and 11 rebounds, Gonzaga’s Drew Timme played well.
After the Bulldogs won both matchups against the Cougars last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the most recent matchup, Gonzaga won 102-68. The Bulldogs had a much better turnover percentage (7.2 vs. 18.1) and had a much better free throw rate (0.318 vs. 0.129).
It might turn into a shootout as two of the country’s premier offenses square off. Gonzaga currently ranks first with 121.2 points per 100 possessions and BYU is 20th (112.2). Moreover, the Cougars, who rank 337th in offensive rebounding percentage (21.4 percent), could have a tough time getting second chance points against the Bulldogs, who rank 27th in defensive rebounding percentage (76.8 percent).
BYU vs. Gonzaga ATS Pick
Free Pick: ATS Winner – BYU, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
Gonzaga ranks eighth in rebounds per game (41.8) while BYU ranks 204th (34.2).
The Cougars rank eighth in assists per game (17.4) while the Bulldogs rank 80th in assists allowed per game (11.6).
BYU ranks 55th in three pointers attempted per game (25.4) while Gonzaga ranks 116th in three pointers allowed per game (21.3).
The Cougars rank 24th in blocks allowed per game (2.5) while the Bulldogs rank 73rd (3.1).
Gonzaga averages 7.7 steals per game, which ranks 66th in the NCAA. BYU ranks 72nd in steals allowed per game (5.9).
The Cougars’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 15.4, up from 11.7 for the season.
During their last five games, the Bulldogs have scored an average of 89.0 points per game (0.3 above their season average) and allowed an average of 61.6 points per game (5.0 below their season average).