The Santa Clara Broncos (18-11, 5-9 WCC) look to put an end to their five-game losing streak when they clash against the Saint Mary’s Gaels (23-6, 10-4 WCC) at Leavey Center. The game will air on CBS Sports Network at 10 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 27, 2020.
Saint Mary’s Gaels vs. Santa Clara Broncos ATS Prediction
In the Gaels’ last contest, they blew out the San Diego Toreros, 92-63. The Gaels had a phenomenally low turnover percentage of 4.0 (better than their season average of 13.7) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.629 (above their season average of 0.553). With 27 points on 10-for-16 shooting, Malik Fitts was the game’s high scorer.
The Broncos lost to the Pacific Tigers in their last matchup, 87-74. Pacific won the rebounding battle. The Tigers had 12 offensive rebounds and 35 total rebounds, while the Broncos had two and 21, respectively. Santa Clara’s DJ Mitchell had a good game, leading the team in scoring with 18 points on 6-for-11 shooting.
Conflicting styles will be on display in this matchup. Santa Clara has preferred an up-and-down style of play (44th in possessions per game), while Saint Mary’s has been more methodical (323rd in possessions per game).
This is the second game of the season between these two squads. In the first, Josip Vrankic recorded 22 points and 10 rebounds and the Broncos defeated the Gaels 67-66. Santa Clara had a better turnover percentage (14.7 vs. 17.7). Saint Mary’s, on the other hand, did a fantastic job of converting from the charity stripe (19-23; 82.6 percent).
Saint Mary’s Gaels at Santa Clara Broncos Pick
College Basketball Pick: ATS Winner – Saint Mary’s, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
Saint Mary’s ranks ninth in rebounds allowed per game (29.9) while Santa Clara ranks 187th (35.9).
The Gaels rank first in steals allowed per game (4.0) while the Broncos rank 169th (6.9).
Santa Clara ranks 19th in assists per game (15.8) while Saint Mary’s ranks 180th (12.4).
The Gaels are 22nd in the NCAA with 17.5 three pointers allowed per game while the Broncos are 44th with 18.8 three pointers allowed per game.
Santa Clara averages 3.7 blocks per game, which ranks 80th in the nation. Saint Mary’s ranks 88th in blocks allowed per game (3.1).
The Gaels’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 3.8, down from 10.2 for the season.
During their last five games, the Broncos have scored an average of 69.2 points per game (4.3 below their season average) and allowed an average of 79.6 points per game (10.5 above their season average).