The BYU Cougars (12-4, 1-0 WCC) travel to Saint Mary’s to take on the Gaels (14-3, 1-1 WCC) in what should be a high-scoring game. The game starts at 11 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 9, 2020, and will air on ESPN2.
BYU Cougars at Saint Mary’s Gaels ATS Prediction
In the Cougars’ last game, they blew out the Loyola Marymount Lions, 63-38. The Cougars were 9-11 from the free throw line (81.8 percent), while the Lions had a turnover percentage of 28.5 (above their season average of 17.7). With 19 points on 8-for-13 shooting, Yoeli Childs was the top scorer from either team.
The Gaels fell to the Pacific Tigers in their last game, 107-99. Pacific’s offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest strength over Saint Mary’s. The Tigers had a rate of 30.8 (below their season average of 35.4), while the Gaels posted a mark of 20.8 (below their season average of 27.8). With 36 points on 11-for-28 shooting, Jordan Ford was Saint Mary’s’ high scorer.
It might turn into a high-scoring affair as a pair of the country’s premier offenses square off. Saint Mary’s ranks third with 117.1 points per 100 possessions and BYU is 52nd (109.7). Furthermore, the Cougars rank 58th in turnover percentage (17.4 percent), while the Gaels rank 257th in opponents’ turnover percentage (18.6 percent).
After splitting two games last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. The Cougars won the most recent game 71-66. The Cougars had a much better turnover percentage (2.8 vs. 19.0) and had a better free throw rate (0.220 vs. 0.153).
BYU Cougars vs. Saint Mary’s Gaels Odds Pick
Free Basketball Pick: ATS Winner – Saint Mary’s, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
Saint Mary’s ranks first in steals allowed per game (3.9) while BYU ranks 83rd (6.1).
The Cougars’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 19.6, up from 11.0 for the season.
During their last five games, the Gaels have scored an average of 83.2 points per game (5.2 above their season average) and allowed an average of 68.4 points per game (3.7 above their season average).
