The No. 23 BYU Cougars (21-7, 10-3 WCC) will attempt to continue their six-game winning streak against the Santa Clara Broncos (18-9, 5-7 WCC) at Marriott Center. The game starts at 9 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 20, 2020, and will air on CBS Sports Network.
Santa Clara Broncos vs. BYU Cougars Free Prediction
In the Broncos’ last game, they were defeated by the Loyola Marymount Lions, 65-59. Loyola Marymount’s turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over Santa Clara. The Lions had a rate of 14.6 (better than their season average of 19.1), while the Broncos posted a mark of 22.7 (above their season average of 17.3). Jaden Bediako had a good performance for Santa Clara, finishing with 12 points, 11 rebounds and five blocks.
The Cougars edged the San Diego Toreros in their last outing, 72-71. BYU’s free throw rate was their biggest advantage over San Diego. The Cougars had a rate of 0.190 (above their season average of 0.160), while the Toreros posted a mark of 0.067 (below their season average of 0.202). TJ Haws was the top scorer from either team with 17 points on 6-for-12 shooting from the field.
Second-chance points could be rare for Santa Clara in this meeting. The Broncos currently rank 307th in offensive rebounding percentage (23.8 percent), while BYU ranks 31st in defensive rebounding percentage (76.4 percent).
After the Cougars won the sole game against the Broncos last season, 80-74, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. The Cougars had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (33.3 vs. 20.0) and had a much better free throw rate (0.490 vs. 0.333).
Santa Clara Broncos vs. BYU Cougars ATS Pick
Basketball Tip: ATS Winner – Santa Clara, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
BYU ranks fifth in assists per game (17.4) while Santa Clara ranks 144th in assists allowed per game (12.7).
The Cougars rank 45th in three pointers attempted per game (25.5) while the Broncos rank 168th (21.5).
Santa Clara ranks 176th in rebounds per game (34.8) while BYU ranks 247th (32.8).
The Cougars rank 19th in blocks allowed per game (2.4) while the Broncos rank 65th (2.9).
Santa Clara ranks 98th in steals per game (6.9) while BYU ranks 101st in steals allowed per game (6.2).
The Broncos have been outscored by an average of 4.0 points in their last five games. For the season, Santa Clara has defeated opponents by an average of 5.5 points.
During their last five games, the Cougars have scored an average of 81.0 points per game (3.7 above their season average) and allowed an average of 66.8 points per game (0.6 above their season average).