Saint Louis vs George Mason Pick – Basketball Predictions & Odds 3/9/23
George Mason Patriots (20-12) vs. Saint Louis Billikens (20-11)
March 9, 2023 2:00 pm EDT
The Line: Saint Louis Billikens -2.5 / George Mason Patriots +2.5 ; Over/Under:
(Get latest betting odds)
The George Mason Patriots and the Saint Louis Billikens meet Thursday in Atlantic 10 Tournament college basketball action from Barclays Center. George Mason is 20-12 overall this year. The Patriots beat Richmond in tournament activity on Wednesday. As for Saint Louis, they’re 20-11 overall and coming off a win over Dayton back on Friday. Check back all season long for free college basketball picks at Sports Chat Place.
George Mason Patriots
The Patriots posted a sketchy 13-11 run in their first 24 outings this year. George Mason finished strong on a 6-1 run however, beating Rhode Island, George Washington, La Salle, Dayton, Fordham and Richmond in succession after a loss to Duquesne.
In Wednesday’s tournament rematch versus Richmond, the Patriots jumped out to a 37-26 halftime lead. George Mason had to scramble in the second half on a 34-25 deficit but still won 62-60. Davonte Gaines was the team’s leading scorer on 23 points and eight boards.
Saint Louis Billikens
Over on the Saint Louis side, they managed a 16-8 record through their first 24 games this year. The Billikens closed off the regular season on a 4-3 run, beating Davidson, Duquesne, Loyola IL and Dayton with losses to Dayton, Richmond and VCU otherwise.
Last Friday in the rematch with Dayton, the Billikens were up 41-32 going into the second half. Saint Louis was outscored 29-24 from there but still won 65-61. Javonte Perkins led the way on 17 points and Yuri Collins doubled with 12 points and 10 assists.
ANDREW’S FREE PICK
I’ll probably stay with Saint Louis in this one. You could make a case either way, though. The Billikens put up a gritty home win against a good Dayton team in their last outing, securing a little revenge for a 70-56 loss to the Flyers on February 10. Saint Louis has hit 65 or more points in six straight games, going 4-2 in that time. These teams have seen each other just once this season in a 63-62 Saint Louis win at Chaifetz Arena back on January 11. George Mason is riding high on this seven-game win streak, and this should be another close matchup. I like the Billikens to emerge with the win/cover in this one but I could easily see the Patriots pulling it off as well. Should be a fun one to watch.
