The San Francisco Dons (14-6, 3-2 WCC) travel to Saint Mary’s to play the Gaels (16-4, 3-2 WCC) in what should be a high-scoring game. The game will air on CBS Sports Network at 10:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 23, 2020.
San Francisco Dons vs. Saint Mary’s Gaels ATS Prediction
In the Dons’ last game, they topped the Loyola Marymount Lions, 61-53. San Francisco’s free throw rate was their biggest strength over Loyola Marymount. The Dons had a rate of 0.227 (above their season average of 0.225), while the Lions posted a mark of 0.111 (below their season average of 0.218). With 19 points on 7-for-10 shooting, Charles Minlend was the top scorer from either team.
The Gaels beat the Pepperdine Waves in their last outing, 78-69. Saint Mary’s’ 0.598 effective field goal percentage was their largest strength over Pepperdine, who had a rate of 0.500. The Gaels’ mark was above their season average of 0.556. Jordan Ford was the game’s high scorer with 26 points on 9-for-18 shooting from the field.
This is the second game of the season between these two squads. Malik Fitts scored a game-high 21 points in the first game, in which the Gaels beat the Dons 69-58. He also put up 13 rebounds. The Gaels had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (34.3 vs. 19.0) and had a better effective field goal percentage (0.467 vs. 0.383).
This showdown figures to be a shootout as a pair of the nation’s premier offenses face off. Saint Mary’s currently ranks third with 116.2 points per 100 possessions and San Francisco is 23rd (111.3).
San Francisco at Saint Mary’s Betting Pick
College Basketball Pick: ATS Winner – Saint Mary’s, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
San Francisco ranks 17th in three pointers attempted per game (27.9) while Saint Mary’s ranks 193rd (20.7).
The Gaels rank first in steals allowed per game (4.0) while the Dons rank 75th (6.0).
Saint Mary’s is 12th in the nation with 30.3 rebounds allowed per game while San Francisco is 47th with 32.5 rebounds allowed per game.
The Gaels allow the fourth-fewest assists per game (8.7) while the Dons rank 17th (9.8).
The Dons’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 1.8, down from 8.3 for the season.
During their last five games, the Gaels have scored an average of 79.8 points per game (1.9 above their season average) and allowed an average of 77.0 points per game (11.0 above their season average).
