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Saint Mary's vs. Santa Clara Prediction and Odds (Gaels a Strong Play to Win Eight Straight)

By Matt De Saro

The Saint Mary's Gaels are the only team in the WCC with a shot to take down Gonzaga. But, they have to get past a pesky Santa Clara team first.
The Saint Mary's Gaels are the only team in the WCC with a shot to take down Gonzaga. But, they have to get past a pesky Santa Clara team first. / Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
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The Saint Mary’s Gaels gun for their eighth straight win when they clash with the Santa Clara Broncos on Tuesday night at the Leavey Center.

The Gaels are 7-1 in the West Coast Conference but are stuck in second place behind Gonzaga. Because of this, the Gaels have to keep winning if they have any chance to capitalize on an unlikely slip-up by the Zags. 

The Broncos, meanwhile, are looking for their third straight win after getting beat on the road by San Francisco. They also suffered a loss to the Gaels earlier in the season 73-65 and will be seeking revenge. Santa Clara is also third in the WCC and can make up some ground on the Gaels with a win here. 

Here are the odds for this WCC shadow, courtesy of WynnBET Sportsbook.

Saint Mary's vs. Santa Clara Odds, Spread, and Total

Spread:

  • Saint Mary's -2.5 (-110)
  • Santa Clara +2.5 (-110)

Moneyline:

  • Saint Mary's -150
  • Santa Clara +125

Total: 137.5 (Over -110/Under -110)

Saint Mary's vs. Santa Clara Prediction and Pick

The Gaels will have a tough game keeping pace with the Bulldogs. Gonzaga is crushing teams left and right and it is hard to imagine any WCC being able to sneak a win other than the Gales. The two meet on Feb. 12 and on Feb. 26, so a win here would set Saint Mary’s up for a chance to pull even or even past Gonzaga in the coming weeks. 

While the Broncos are tied for third, they are more of a middle-of-the-pack team in the conference who has had some unlikely success. They have played other good teams tough in close losses including BYU and San Francisco and beaten some decent teams. But, I don't think tonight is their night.

Despite a scoring offense ranked 27th in the nation, the Broncos won’t have enough in the tank to take down the Gaels. Saint Mary’s has the seventh-best scoring defense in the country. They lead the nation in assists allowed per game and rank third in opponent total rebounds per game. The Broncos are neither a good rebounding team nor a passing team to begin with, and this will make their night very difficult. 

Pick: Saint Mary's -2.5

Follow all of Matt De Saro’s betting picks HERE

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