Loyola Marymount Lions vs Saint Mary’s Gaels NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 1/7/25

Looking to win big? The Lions and Gaels face off at 11:00 ET on ESPN2. The Gaels are hosting the game at University Credit Union Pavilion in Moraga, CA. The over/under line for this matchup is currently at 134.5 points, and Saint Mary’s is favored by -14.5 to win at home against Loyola Marymount.

LOYOLA MARYMOUNT LIONS VS SAINT MARY’S GAELS BETTING PICK

The Pick: Loyola Marymount Lions +14.5

This game will be played at University Credit Union Pavilion at 11:00 ET on Tuesday, January 7th.

WHY BET THE LOYOLA MARYMOUNT LIONS:

• We have this one finishing with a projected score of 77-71 in favor of the Gaels.
• Even though we have Saint Mary’s winning straight-up, we like Loyola Marymount at +14.5.
• The over/under is currently sitting at 134.5 points, and we like the over with a projected 148 points.

Taking a Look at the Lions Chances on the Road

Loyola Marymount fell to 8-7 on the season after a 96-68 home loss to Gonzaga on Saturday. The Lions entered the game as +16 point underdogs and didn’t cover the spread. The total points of 164 exceeded the pre-game O/U line of 152.5.

LMU trailed 46-28 at halftime and allowed 50 points in the 2nd half while scoring 40.

Loyola Marymount managed just 68 points in their last game, shooting 38.2% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 45.5%. They hit 33.3% from beyond the arc, connecting on 8 of 24 attempts, and went 18 for 25 from the free-throw line, good for 72%.

Graham Ike and Khalif Battle were standouts, with Ike scoring 27 points on 12 of 16 shooting and Battle adding 26 points, hitting 10 of 12 shots, including 4 of 5 from three-point range. Will Johnston also knocked down 4 of 5 from deep, finishing with 18 points.

Despite Loyola Marymount’s defensive efforts, they gave up 96 points in their last game, even while holding their opponent to 38% shooting overall. The Lions limited them to 41% on two-point attempts, with 13 makes on 31 tries.

From beyond the arc, Loyola Marymount’s defense saw their opponent hit 8 of 24 threes, a 33% clip. They also sent them to the free-throw line 25 times, where they converted 18 free throws for 72%. The Lions allowed 8 offensive rebounds.

Can the Gaels Lock in a Home Win?

Saint Mary’s improved to 12-3 on the season with an 81-58 win over Portland on Saturday. The Gaels, who were -18 favorites, covered the spread in the victory.

Leading 28-19 at halftime, Saint Mary’s exploded for 53 points in the 2nd half while allowing 39. The game’s total points of 139 exceeded the O/U line of 136.5.

Saint Mary’s put up 81 points in their last game, shooting 44.1% from the field and 38.1% from beyond the arc. Their effective field goal percentage was 50%, and they hit 68.4% of their free throws, going 13-for-19 from the line.

The Gaels grabbed 18 offensive rebounds and dished out 20 assists. Augustas Marciulionis led the way with 20 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists, hitting 3-of-6 from deep. Jordan Ross and Max Mackinnon each connected on 50% of their 3-point attempts, with Ross adding 14 points and Mackinnon contributing 12.

Saint Mary’s Gaels put on a strong defensive performance, holding their opponent to just 58 points on 37% shooting from the field. They limited their opponent’s two-point attempts, allowing just 13 made shots on 34 tries, a 38% shooting rate.

From beyond the arc, Saint Mary’s gave up 7 threes on 20 attempts, with their opponent shooting 35% from deep. They also sent their opponent to the free-throw line 14 times, where they converted 11 free throws, shooting 78%. The Gaels allowed 12 offensive rebounds in the game.