Weber State vs Saint Mary's Odds
| Weber State Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+14.5 -110 | 131.5 -110o / -110u | +980 |
| Saint Mary's Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-14.5 -110 | 131.5 -110o / -110u | -2000 |
The No. 23 Saint Mary's Gaels host the Weber State Wildcats on Sunday night. So, let's dig into the matchup and make a Weber State vs. Saint Mary's pick and prediction.
Weber State Wildcats
Dillon Jones is arguably the best low-major player in the sport. He averaged 16.7 points, 10.9 rebounds and 3.8 assists a season ago, while also providing defensive versatility. You won't find a player who better utilizes his size, skill and strength. This will be a major opportunity for Jones, competing against Saint Mary's sophomore Joshua Jefferson.
Also, this will be Weber State's first matchup against D1 competition.
Weber State has a bonafide star, but it'll need more to compete in Moraga. Look for guards Steven Verplancken and Blaise Threatt to benefit from Jones' polished passing. Threatt is a welcome addition to the Wildcats roster. He averaged 15 points and shot 45% on 3-point attempts at D2 Colorado Mesa last season. Last season, if Jones and Verplancken didn't score, Weber State didn't score. It's a major plus to have a third scoring threat around to alleviate the pressure.
The Wildcats shot a forgettable 33% on 3-point field goals in 2022-23. They'll need to see a significant spike to pull off the road upset — or to cover comfortably.
Saint Mary's Gaels
There's something different about this year's Saint Mary's Gaels. They actually received more first-place votes to win the WCC than Gonzaga, who's won a share of the league title for what seems like that past 100 seasons.
Saint Mary's showed plenty of promise in Wednesday's matchup against New Mexico. Star guard Aidan Mahaney poured in 25 points and bench-big Harry Wessels scored 12 points in 14 minutes. The Gaels can rotate 7-footers with Harry Wessels and Mitchell Saxen, while Alex Tew is the only player above 6-foot-10 on Weber State's roster.
The underrated Gaels player to monitor is forward Alex Ducas. Another Aussie, Ducas has shown elite shooting ability, but is only shooting 33% to start the year. That'll only last for a little and Ducas may get it rolling against the Wildcats.
Mahaney is an exceptional player and might end up as the most decorated player in program history by his senior season. He's certainly the biggest name to watch in this matchup.
Per usual, Saint Mary's will look to limit possessions as it regularly plays at one of the slowest tempos in the country. I'm also curious to see Randy Bennett's game plan against Jones.
Weber State vs. Saint Mary's
Betting Pick & Prediction
I love the under here. Weber State ranked 259th in adjusted tempo last season and Saint Mary's was 361st. Backing the under with two snail-tempo teams with good defenses is the smart play.
Sure, 131.5 is a pretty low number, but I can't see either team passing 65 points easily. The tempo, defense and questionable Weber State offense will all help this game go under the number.
Pick: Under 131.5 (Play to 130.5)
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