The Santa Clara Broncos and Gonzaga Bulldogs face off on Saturday in a college basketball showdown at the McCarthey Athletic Center. Let’s look at the betting matchup and give a free Santa Clara vs Gonzaga prediction.
Gonzaga Can’t Slip Up Here
If Gonzaga wants to make the NCAA Tournament with an at large bid, this is a game they can’t lose. In the last game against the Portland Pilots, Gonzaga scored 86 points and they ended up winning by 21 points. Graham Ike had a strong game putting up 20 points and 14 rebounds. Gonzaga on the season is averaging 85.8 points while their defense is giving up 68.7 points per game. The offense is ranked 6th in the league whale the defense is ranked 91st. Ike has been the top player averaging 16 points while shooting 61.6 percent from the field and 35.7 percent from behind the three point line. Gonzaga will play against San Francisco and Saint Mary’s after this one.
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Santa Clara’s Defense Looked Good in Last Game
Santa Clara in the last game faced off against Loyola Marymount in the last game and the defense gave up 55 points and that led to the 10 point victory. Johnny O’Neal had a strong game putting up 15 points, nine rebounds, and one assist. Santa Clara overall this season is averaging 76.6 points while their defense is giving up 71.1 points per game. The offense is ranked 97th in the league and they are going to need the offense to be good again here. Adama Bal is averaging 14.6 points while shooting 44.6 percent from the field and 35 percent from behind the three point line.
Santa Clara vs Gonzaga Betting Prediction
Santa Clara’s offense has been strong heading into this game, and they are going to have no issue finding success scoring here. Gonzaga is a good offensive team, and they should score plenty here, but their defense is going to struggle and that is going to allow Santa Clara to keep it close. It actually wouldn’t shock me if Santa Clara was able to pull the upset here. Back Santa Clara against the spread.