Portland (5-10) vs. Gonzaga (10-4)
January 2, 2025 9:00 pm EDT
The Line: Gonzaga -33; Over/Under: +161.5
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In this article, we will formulate a Gonzaga vs Portland prediction for this College Basketball game on Thursday, January 2nd at the McCarthey Athletic Center in Spokane, Washington. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.
Gonzaga Bulldogs Betting Preview
The Gonzaga Bulldogs are 10-4 (1-0) this year after they defeated Pepperdine by a score of 89-82 in their last game. Gonzaga led 50-32 at halftime, but they were outscored 50-39 in the second half in the win. The Bulldogs shot 54.5% from the field, 13.3% on three-pointers, and 78.9% on free throws in the game. Khalif Battle led Gonzaga with 21 points and three assists, while Braden Huff added 19 points and six rebounds in the win.
Prior to that game, the Bulldogs lost to UCLA by a score of 65-62 but did beat Bucknell by a score of 86-65 before that. Gonzaga has won three of their last four games, but they have done a pretty good job against these lesser teams. Gonzaga has scored 87.3 points per game and they have allowed 70 points per game, while also averaging 39.9 rebounds and 18.9 assists per game this season. Graham Ike is averaging 16.1 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game, while Khalif Battle is averaging 12.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game this season. Gonzaga is shooting 49.7% from the field, 80.5% on free throws, and 33.3% on three-pointers this year.
Portland Pilots Betting Preview
The Portland Pilots are 5-10 (0-2) this season after they lost to Oregon State by a score of 89-79 in their last game. Portland trailed 46-39 at halftime and while they did play well in the second half, they couldn’t make the comeback. The Pilots shot 51.9% from the field, 40% on three-pointers, and 92.9% on free throws in the game. Austin Rapp led Portland with 22 points and six rebounds, while Max Mackinnon added 14 points and four assists in the loss.
Prior to that game, the Pilots lost to Washington State by a score of 89-73 but did beat Lafayette by a score of 74-64 before that. Portland has lost five of their last seven games and they are 0-2 in conference play, which is last in the WCC. Portland has scored 72.6 points per game and they have allowed 79.0 points per game, while also averaging 34.1 rebounds and 15.2 assists per game this season. Austin Rapp is averaging 14.4 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game, while Max Mackinnon is averaging 10.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game this year. Portland is shooting 44.2% from the field, 77.2% on free throws, and 34.9% on three-pointers this season. Portland will face St. Mary’s following this one.
Why Gonzaga will beat Portland
- Portland has lost each of its last 23 games against AP-ranked opponents.
- Gonzaga has won each of its last 18 games against Portland.
- Gonzaga has won the first half in each of its last 16 night games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Nine of Portland’s last 10 night games against Conference opponents have produced a total of 161 or fewer points.
- Each of the last three games between Portland and Gonzaga has produced a total of 160 or fewer points.
Gonzaga vs Portland Prediction
Gonzaga comes into this matchup after winning three of their last four games and they are ranked #19 in the country. The Bulldogs do have four losses on the season, but they have played a very difficult schedule. Portland has struggled to start the season and they have lost eight of their last 11 games. The Pilots allowed 89 points in each of their last two games and their defense is going to have trouble against this high-scoring Gonzaga attack. The Bulldogs are shooting nearly 50% from the field and they are averaging 87.3 points per game. I know Gonzaga struggled in the second half against Pepperdine, but I like them to pick up a dominant win at home here.
