Santa Clara vs. Washington State Prediction and Odds (Bet Broncos to Upset Cougars)
By Matt De Saro
The Santa Clara Broncos and Washington State Cougars go head to head in first-round action in the NIT Tournament.
Santa Clara enters this game having won three of their last four games and seven of their last 10. Washington State did win four in a row before getting knocked out of the Pac-12 Tournament by UCLA and the bookmakers clearly don't agree with me and have Washington State as three-point favorites. Certainly wouldn’t be the first time I’m on opposite sides than the oddsmakers.
Here are the odds for this NIT round-one matchup, courtesy of WynnBET Sportsbook.
Santa Clara vs. Washington State Odds, Spread, and Total
Spread:
- Santa Clara +3 (-110)
- Washington State -3 (-110)
Moneyline:
- Santa Clara +125
- Washington State -150
Total: 152 (Over -110/Under -110)
Santa Clara vs. Washington State Prediction and Pick
Santa Clara has already proven itself capable of beating quality programs with wins over Stanford, Fullerton, St. Mary’s, and TCU during the regular season. Santa Clara also has a strong record against Power 5 schools after beating two in a row to end the year. I think this NIT Tournament could serve as a great launchpad for this team to set themselves up for success next season. This team is 100% healthy and I think could come out and shock the Cougars and many viewers tonight.
The Broncos have one of the most efficient offenses in the nation and rank 34th in scoring. They do have issues with the glass but so do the Cougars so I’m not too worried. Their biggest issue is their defense which hasn’t been all that effective this year. They rank 265th in scoring defense and struggle to operate at times in the paint.
Pick: Santa Clara +125 to win
Follow all of Matt De Saro’s betting picks HERE
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