The top-ranked Gonzaga Bulldogs are on the road in college basketball action tonight, taking on the rival Saint Mary's Gaels. The game is scheduled for an 8:15 p.m. start time and it will be televised nationally on ESPN. The college basketball odds for the game have the Zags favored to pick up the win on the road.
College Basketball Odds
Gonzaga -3.5
Total: 133 points
The top-ranked Zags are on ESPN primetime tonight, which will be good for the college basketball fanbase to see tonight. Gonzaga, being on the west coast, certainly doesn't get to be seen by enough eyes in the rest of the country and tonight they take center stage on ESPN. Gonzaga is the final team left in major college basketball with a zero in the loss column and tonight should be their toughest test the remainder of the season.
Many argue that because Gonzaga plays "nobody" they shouldn't be a No. 1 seed. The strength of schedule (127th) isn't great, but they do own six victories over the Top 50 in the RPI, including a 23-point barrage of Saint Mary's in Spokane about a month ago.
Saint Mary's has the most to gain by a victory here. The Gaels play nobody of worth the remainder of the season from a resume building perspective and while they should be in the field for the tournament, picking up a win here over the top-ranked Zags would be a nice addition to a resume that holds an RPI of 21.
Gonzaga is the only team in America ranked inside the Top 5 in both offensive and defensive efficiency numbers. The Gaels rank 13th nationally in offensive efficiency, which makes tonight's game one where turnovers and offensive rebounds will be key. The Zags average better than 85 points per game (12th best) and only give up 61.6 points per game themselves (eighth best). Saint Mary's does not score nearly enough (71.8 points, 226th nationally) but they are giving up an amazing 55.9 points to opponents, which ranks second-best in the country.
Saint Mary's nearly got caught looking ahead to this game, barely beating Portland earlier this week. That loss would have been catastrophic for the Gaels as the Pilots have now lost 11 straight. This game should be a great one to watch between two teams that don't get enough pub. With efficient offenses and defenses, this one will be close.
Free Pick: UNDER
Free Picks: Gonzaga at St. Mary's (Betting NCAA Basketball)
Historically Good ATS Team. Cover Last 4 By 12ppg. Handicapped by Pro Bettor Brad Powers - with Steve Fezzik from the Pregame.com Studios in Las Vegas. Get his NCAA College Basketball Free Pick:Gonzaga at St. Mary's
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