Time:<\/strong> 9:00 PM ET \/ 6:00 PM PT
Broadcast:<\/strong> ESPN
Location:<\/strong> Orleans Arena, Las Vegas, NV
Spread:<\/strong> Gonzaga -3.5 | Total: 136.5<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gonzaga vs Saint Mary’s Betting Preview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
We don’t want to say the word “fool,” but it’s probably the best way to describe it: Gonzaga continues to “fool” the advanced analytic platforms into making everyone feel a little more optimistic about the Bulldogs compared to what they really are this season. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gonzaga is a top-10 team in the country per Bart Torvik and KenPom, and therefore, oddsmakers continue to follow their lead when pricing games involving the Bulldogs. Well, since December 1, Gonzaga has gone 7-17 against the spread. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Even though their profile lines up with a lot of Gonzaga teams from the past, this team simply does not look like it is on the same level as prior editions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
An opening night win over Baylor does not carry much weight, considering the Bears went .500 in the Big 12. Non-conference wins over Arizona State (13-18) and Indiana (.500 in the Big Ten) don’t move the needle very much. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gonzaga was trailing as a 15.5-point favorite over San Francisco in Monday’s semifinal before the Bulldogs pulled away in the final minutes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
That was a one-point game with seven minutes remaining as Gonzaga shot 44.4-percent from the floor, including 4-for-17 from three-point range. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This looks like the fourth-straight meeting where Saint Mary’s will close as an underdog to Gonzaga in the betting market, and the Gaels have won each of the previous three. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Saint Mary’s won the WCC Championship Game as a three-point ‘dog last year and swept the regular season series against Gonzaga this year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
We completely understand the support for Gonzaga in this matchup, but it is turning into a “fool me once, fool me twice…” situation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Saint Mary’s is No. 156 in the country in effective field goal shooting. The Gaels are outside the top-150 in three-point shooting, two-point shooting and free throw shooting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gonzaga vs Saint Mary’s Predictions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A team that struggles to shoot the ball like they do should not be 28-4. We totally understand the argument. But guess what: They just keep winning. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gonzaga has scored an average of 63.4 points per game against Saint Mary’s over the last five meetings. When your defense is that good, you can win games with some ugly offense. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
From a number’s perspective, we understand why Gonzaga is favored on Tuesday night in Las Vegas. But from a matchup standpoint, the Gaels have the Bulldogs’ number right now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gonzaga vs Saint Mary’s Prediction: Saint Mary’s +3.5<\/h3>\n\n\n\nGoldSheet Top Picks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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