Gonzaga Bulldogs vs Loyola Marymount Lions NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 1/4/25

Looking to win big? The Bulldogs and Lions face off at 9:00 ET on ESPN+. The Lions are hosting the game at Gersten Pavilion in Los Angeles, CA. Gonzaga come into this West Coast conference matchup as the -15.5 favorite. The over/under line currently sits at 153.5 points.

GONZAGA BULLDOGS VS LOYOLA MARYMOUNT LIONS BETTING PICK

The Pick: Loyola Marymount Lions +15.5

This game will be played at Gersten Pavilion at 9:00 ET on Saturday, January 4th.

WHY BET THE LOYOLA MARYMOUNT LIONS:

• We have this one finishing with a projected score of 77-70 in favor of the Lions.
• Not only will Loyola Marymount pick up the win, but look for them to cover at +15.5.
• The over/under is currently sitting at 153.5 points, and we like the under with a projected 147 points.

Does Gonzaga Have a Shot at a Road Win?

Gonzaga Bulldogs Recent Game/Games

Gonzaga improved to 11-4 on the season with an 81-50 win over Portland on Thursday. The Bulldogs were heavy favorites at -34.5, but they didn’t cover the spread. The game’s total points of 131 fell short of the 158.5 O/U line.

Gonzaga took control early, leading 35-17 at halftime. They scored 46 points in the 2nd half while allowing 33 to the Pilots.

Gonzaga put up 81 points in their last game, shooting 42.6% from the field. They connected on 45.8% of their three-point attempts, hitting 11 of 24 from deep, while their two-point shooting was at 40.9%.

The Bulldogs dished out 20 assists and grabbed 15 offensive rebounds. Nolan Hickman contributed 13 points, shooting 60% from beyond the arc, while Vincent Delano and Dusty Stromer each added 12 points.

Gonzaga’s defense held their opponent to 50 points, even though they allowed a 42% shooting performance from the field. The Bulldogs gave up 29 made baskets on 68 attempts.

Inside the arc, Gonzaga’s defense limited their opponent to 40% shooting, with 18 made two-pointers on 44 attempts. From three-point range, their opponent shot 45%, hitting 11 of 24 attempts.

Will the Lions Exceed Expectations at Home?

Loyola Marymount Lions Recent Game/Games

The Lions improved to 8-6 on the season with an 82-61 win over Oregon State on Thursday. Loyola Marymount, who were +3 underdogs going into the game, not only pulled off the upset but also covered the spread.

After leading 43-36 at halftime, the Lions clamped down defensively, allowing just 25 points in the 2nd half while scoring 39. The total points for the game reached 143, surpassing the O/U line of 136.5.

Loyola Marymount’s offense was clicking in their latest game, putting up 82 points with a 50.8% shooting performance from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was an impressive 59.3%, thanks in part to hitting 41.7% from beyond the arc, connecting on 10 of 24 attempts. Inside the arc, they shot 57.1%, going 20 for 35 on two-point attempts.

The Lions also dished out 20 assists, with Will Johnston contributing 7 assists to go along with his 19 points. Jevon Porter led the way with 22 points and 13 rebounds, shooting 57.1% from three-point range (4/7) and 53.3% overall. Michael Rataj matched Johnston’s 19 points, adding 6 rebounds and 5 assists.

Despite giving up 61 points, Loyola Marymount’s defense allowed their opponent to shoot 50% from the field, with 30 made baskets on 59 attempts. Inside the arc, the Lions gave up 20 two-point field goals on 35 attempts, a 57% shooting rate.

From three-point range, Loyola Marymount’s defense allowed 10 made threes on 24 attempts, a 41% shooting percentage. The Lions also sent their opponent to the free-throw line 19 times, where they made 12, shooting 63%. Loyola Marymount gave up 11 offensive rebounds.