Gonzaga vs Santa Clara Odds
| Gonzaga Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-8.5 -115 | 158.5 -110o / -110u | -400 |
| Santa Clara Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+8.5 -105 | 158.5 -110o / -110u | +310 |
The Gonzaga Bulldogs may run away with the WCC, but they can only accomplish that if they continue to play balanced basketball.
On Thursday evening, the Bulldogs will welcome the Santa Clara Broncos into Spokane for their third conference game of the year.
Herb Sendek's team isn't nearly as talented as the Bulldogs, but they bring a solid 11-6 record into this contest. Both of these teams have had a similar strength of schedule in the nonconference, so it'll be interesting to see how they match up.
Gonzaga Bulldogs
I'm not being far-fetched when I say this Bulldogs team is not a national title contender, but they're clearly the best team in the WCC. It's also not too wild to think the BYU Cougars would be the favorite to win the conference title if they were still in this league.
With that said, I have a hard time envisioning the Bulldogs losing this game. The WCC is a weak conference this season, and it's a shame that there isn't anyone ready to claim the throne from the Bulldogs.
There are a ton of advantages for this squad on both the offensive and defensive ends of the floor. The Broncos are a balanced team, but the Bulldogs do everything better.
The Zags rank top-40 in offensive and defensive efficiency, notably sitting 21st on the offensive end. They're 24th in opponent 2-point percentage, which tells me they will shut down any threat of inside scoring.
Just like the Broncos, the Bulldogs don't take a ton of 3-pointers per game. A vast majority of the scoring comes from inside the arc.
Junior guard Nolan Hickman does most of the damage from the outside, shooting 38% from deep on the season. His backcourt mate, Ryan Nembhard, is the opposite, hitting at a 26% clip from 3.
The Zags should dominate the glass from the opening tip while their fast-paced offense generates additional scoring chances. I don't see a world where this group doesn't put together an impressive offensive performance.
Santa Clara Broncos
Senior forward Carlos Marshall has been sensational for the Broncos this season, as he's shooting a ridiculous 46% from 3-point land. Like Marshall, his frontcourt teammate, Adama Bal, is shooting 39% in that area of the floor.
They've been a critical source of their team's offensive production.
I highlight Marshall and Bal because this matchup starts behind the 3-point line. The Broncos will have to hit consistent shots from outside if they want to pull off the improbable upset.
The Bulldogs' perimeter defense isn't nearly as strong as their interior, which is why I think the Broncos will take a ton of 3s in this game. The offense ranks 183rd in 3-point attempts per game, so it will have to increase its attempts in this contest.
The Broncos enter this matchup ranking fifth in average height, which usually gives them an advantage. However, I don't see that happening since against the Bulldogs' frontcourt.
Even with their size, they don't have the same talent as Gonzaga's Braden Huff or Graham Ike. Huff and Ike will prevent the Broncos from owning the glass and limit the interior scoring.
This Santa Clara team struggles to generate offense at the charity stripe. It's shooting 71% at the line and ranks 231st in free-throw attempts per game.
On the defensive side of the ball, I have some concerns in the turnover department. This group does not create takeaways often, allowing a lot of clean looks for opponents.
I expect this to be a fast-paced game since both teams love to run up and down the court. There should be a lot of open looks on the offensive side of the floor, which is awful news for the Broncos' chances to win this game outright.
Gonzaga vs Santa Clara
Betting Pick & Prediction
Although the Zags have a lot of advantages on both sides of the ball, I can't lay double digits with this team. The best angle to take in this game is the total.
I like this matchup to go over for a few reasons. First off, these teams love to push the pace on offense, which will correlate to more possessions.
Secondly, although the Broncos will struggle to score inside, the Bulldogs' perimeter defense is below average. I envision Marshall and Bal having big days from 3-point land.
Thirdly, the discrepancy in the turnover department should help both of these offenses. Santa Clara is careless with the ball, which correlates to transition buckets for Gonzaga.
This should be an offensive showcase on Thursday evening, and I will happily sit back and watch these two teams battle it out.
Pick: Over 158
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