Washington vs. Saint Mary's Prediction and Odds for Thursday, November 24 (Back Gaels to Dominate)
By Peter Dewey
![Saint Mary's Gaels guard Alex Ducas (44) celebrates. Saint Mary's Gaels guard Alex Ducas (44) celebrates.](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_4701,h_2644,x_0,y_210/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/426/01gjnd2w56be49r562ed.jpg)
The Saint Mary’s Gaels are one of the best mid-major teams in the country every year, and they are 6-0 entering their matchup with the Washington Huskies that actually will tip off on Friday morning at 12:30 a.m. EST.
The Gaels have won every game this season by at least eight points, and now they get a Huskies team that comes into this matchup at 4-1, with a loss to California Baptist.
Saint Mary’s has a solid mix of veterans and youngsters, especially freshman Aidan Mahaney, who is averaging over 12 points per game on the season.
Do the Huskies have what it takes to compete with one of the best teams in the WCC?
Here’s a look at the latest odds:
Washington vs. Saint Mary's Odds, Spread and Total
Washington vs. Saint Mary's Prediction and Pick
Saint Mary’s has been elite on defense this season, ranking seventh in the country in adjusted defensive efficiency through its first six games.
The Huskies (89th in defense) are better on that end than offense, but they’re also outside the top-200 in effective field goal percentage this season.
Washington hasn’t really played anyone this season, ranking 324th in the country in strength of schedule this season.
Even though we have to lay a big number with the Gaels here, it’s the way to play this matchup.
Saint Mary’s can slow down this Washington offense that has struggled against much worse competition, and the Gaels have won five of their six games by double digits.
The Gaels also shoot the ball at a high clip, ranking 13th in 3-point percentage (41.9 percent). This is a Saint Mary’s or nothing game for me.
Find Peter Dewey’s full betting record here.
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.