Gonzaga Bulldogs vs Saint Mary’s Gaels NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 2/1/25
The Bulldogs and Gaels are set to face off at 11:00 ET on ESPN. The Gaels will host the game at University Credit Union Pavilion in Moraga, CA. The over/under for this West Coast conference contest is set at 147.5 points, with Saint Mary’s being favored by -1.5 at home against Gonzaga.
GONZAGA BULLDOGS VS SAINT MARY’S GAELS BETTING PICK
The Pick: Saint Mary’s Gaels -1.5
This game will be played at University Credit Union Pavilion at 11:00 ET on Saturday, February 1st.
WHY BET THE SAINT MARY’S GAELS:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 78-70 in favor of the Gaels.
- Not only will Saint Mary’s pick up the win, but look for them to cover at -1.5.
- The over/under is currently sitting at 147.5 points, and we like the over with a projected 148 points.
Do the Bulldogs Have What it Takes on the Road?
Gonzaga Bulldogs Recent Game/Games
Gonzaga improved to 16-6 on the season with a dominant 98-60 home win over Oregon State on Tuesday. Entering the game as 15-point favorites, the Bulldogs not only covered the spread but also pushed the total points over the 152.5 line, with the teams combining for 158 points.
Gonzaga took control early, leading 50-30 at halftime, and continued their strong play in the second half, outscoring the Beavers 48-30 to seal the win.
Gonzaga’s offense was firing on all cylinders in their last game, putting up 98 points while shooting 55% from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was an impressive 63.3%, thanks in part to their 52.9% shooting from beyond the arc, hitting 9 of 17 attempts. They also connected on 85.2% of their free throws, going 23 for 27 from the line.
Khalif Battle led the way with 23 points, hitting 3 of 4 from deep, while Graham Ike added 22 points, shooting 10 of 12 from the field. Nolan Hickman contributed 16 points, knocking down 4 of 6 threes, and Michael Ajayi posted a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds.
Gonzaga’s defense struggled, allowing 60 points on 55% shooting from the field. They gave up 33 made baskets on 60 attempts.
From beyond the arc, Gonzaga allowed 9 threes on 17 attempts, a 52% shooting rate. They also sent the opposing team to the free-throw line 27 times, where they hit 23 free throws, shooting 85%.
Can Saint Mary’s Pull Out the Win as Home Favorites?
Saint Mary’s Gaels Recent Game/Games
Saint Mary’s improved to 18-3 on the season with a 67-54 road win over Santa Clara on Wednesday. The Gaels, who were favored by 4.5 points, covered the spread with the victory.
Leading 26-24 at halftime, Saint Mary’s pulled away by scoring 41 points in the 2nd half while holding Santa Clara to 30. The total points for the game were 121, falling short of the 140.5 O/U line.
Saint Mary’s put up 67 points in their last game, shooting 40.3% from the field and 30.8% from beyond the arc. Their effective field goal percentage was 46.8%, and they connected on 75% of their free throws, hitting 9 of 12 attempts.
The Gaels grabbed 17 offensive rebounds and dished out 15 assists. Carlos Stewart Jr. led the way with 24 points, shooting 53.8% overall and hitting 6 of 8 from three-point range.
Saint Mary’s Gaels put on a defensive clinic, holding their opponent to just 54 points on 35% shooting from the field. They were particularly effective inside the arc, limiting their opponent to 34% shooting on two-point attempts, with just 10 made shots from 29 tries.
From beyond the arc, the Gaels allowed 8 threes on 22 attempts, a 36% shooting rate. They also sent their opponent to the free-throw line 11 times, where they converted 10 of those attempts, shooting 90%. Saint Mary’s gave up 8 offensive rebounds in the game.