The No. 1 Gonzaga Bulldogs (18-1, 4-0 WCC) look to lengthen their 10-game winning streak against the Santa Clara Broncos (15-3, 2-1 WCC) at McCarthey Athletic Center. The game starts at 11 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 16, 2020, and will air on ESPN2.
Santa Clara Broncos at Gonzaga Bulldogs ATS Prediction
The last time the Broncos played, they defeated the Saint Mary’s Gaels, 67-66. Santa Clara’s turnover percentage was their biggest strength over Saint Mary’s. The Broncos had a rate of 14.7 (better than their season average of 17.5), while the Gaels posted a mark of 17.7 (above their season average of 13.4). Santa Clara was lifted by Josip Vrankic, who was the team’s leading scorer with 22 points on 8-for-14 shooting.
The Bulldogs won big over the Loyola Marymount Lions in their last outing, 87-62. The Bulldogs held the Lions to an offensive rebounding percentage of 11.4 (below their season average of 28.8) and had a free throw rate of 0.288 (above their season average of 0.245). With 10 points and 11 rebounds, Gonzaga’s Drew Timme had a solid game.
Second-chance opportunities could be few and far between for Santa Clara in this showdown. The Broncos currently rank 296th in offensive rebounding percentage (24.3 percent), while Gonzaga ranks 22nd in defensive rebounding percentage (77.3 percent).
After the Bulldogs won both matchups against the Broncos last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the most recent matchup, Gonzaga won 98-39. The Bulldogs had a much better turnover percentage (2.5 vs. 24.8) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (38.9 vs. 14.3).
Santa Clara Broncos at Gonzaga Bulldogs ATS Pick
Prediction: ATS Winner – Santa Clara, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
Gonzaga ranks 17th in rebounds per game (41.2) while Santa Clara ranks 166th (35.2).
The Bulldogs average 18.2 assists per game, which ranks fourth in the nation. The Broncos rank 85th in assists allowed per game (11.8).
Gonzaga ranks 80th in steals per game (7.5) while Santa Clara ranks 152nd in steals allowed per game (7.2).
The Broncos rank 36th in three pointers allowed per game (18.6) while the Bulldogs rank 108th (21.1).
Santa Clara ranks 12th in blocks allowed per game (2.3) while Gonzaga ranks 80th (3.2).
The Broncos’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 6.8, down from 11.1 for the season.
During their last five games, the Bulldogs have scored an average of 86.8 points per game (1.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 65.2 points per game (2.1 below their season average).
