St. Mary’s vs Santa Clara Basketball Picks 1-31-24
Santa Clara Broncos (15-7) vs. St. Mary's Gaels (16-6)
January 31, 2024 11:00 pm EDT
The Line: St. Mary's Gaels -13.5; Over/Under: 135.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Santa Clara Broncos will play the St. Mary’s Gaels in a WCC game on Wednesday night at University Credit Union Pavilion in Moraga, California. Santa Clara has won three games in a row, while St. Mary’s is on an eight game winning streak. Let’s take a look at the betting matchup and the Santa Clara vs St. Mary’s prediction.
Santa Clara Preview
The Santa Clara Broncos are 15-7 (6-1) this year after they defeated Pepperdine by a score of 94-71 in their last game. Santa Clara led 40-32 at the half and they scored 54 points in the second half in the win. The Broncos shot 58.2% from the field and made 10 three pointers in the game. Santa Clara’s only conference loss so far this season was against St. Mary’s by a score of 73-49, but they do have a win against Gonzaga. The Broncos are scoring 77.8 points per game with 38.4 rebounds per game and 15.5 assists per game, while allowing 72.3 points against per game this year. Adama Bal is averaging 15.5 points per game, 3.2 rebounds per game, and 3.3 assists per game. Santa Clara is shooting 47.4% from the field, 70.6% on free throws, and 37.7% on three pointers this season.
Santa Clara Broncos Team Facts
- Santa Clara has won each of its last seven road games against the West Coast Conference.
- Thirty-two of Santa Clara’s last 33 night games against the West Coast Conference have produced a total of 138+ points.
- Santa Clara has won the first half in each of its last seven road games against the West Coast Conference.
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St. Mary’s Preview
The St. Mary’s Gaels are 16-6 (7-0) this season after they defeated Loyola Marymount by a score of 70-65 in their last game. St. Mary’s led 30-23 at halftime and they were able to get the win, but they were out scored 42-40 in the second half. The Gaels shot 42.6% from the field and were -5 in rebounding margin in the game. St. Mary’s has won 13 of their last 14 games and they have allowed 65 points or fewer in six straight. The Gaels are scoring 72.5 points per game with 40.5 rebounds per game and 15.7 assists per game, while giving up 57.5 points against per game this season. Aidan Mahaney is averaging 14.3 points per game, 2.7 assists per game, and 2.2 rebounds per game. St. Mary’s is shooting 45.3% from the field, 69% on free throws, and 32% on three pointers this year.
Saint Mary’s Gaels Team Facts
- Saint Mary’s has won each of its last 20 games against the West Coast Conference at University Credit Union Pavilion.
- Eight of the last nine games between Santa Clara and Saint Mary’s at University Credit Union Pavilion have produced a total of 135 or fewer points.
- Saint Mary’s has won the first half in each of its last 14 games.
Santa Clara vs St. Mary’s Betting Prediction
Saint Mary’s comes into this game as the only undefeated team in WCC play, but will take on a Santa Clara team that is 6-1 in the conference. Santa Clara did defeat Gonzaga earlier this season, but that game was at home. The Bulldogs are shooting over 47% from the field, but their defense hasn’t been great. St. Mary’s is one of the best defensive teams in the country, as they are allowing 57.5 points against per game. I think the Gaels are going to slow things down once again and I like the under in this matchup.