St. Mary’s vs. Utah Prediction College Basketball Tips 12/7/24

Gabe Madsen leads Utah in scoring this season with an average of 22.7 points, while Ezra Ausar adds 12.6 points and 5 rebounds.

Saint Mary’s Gaels Preview

The Saint Mary’s Gaels have an 8-1 record this season and are coming off an 82-69 win over UTSA. The Gaels are 2-6 against the spread and 5-3 in the over/under in their first road game this season.

On offense, Saint Mary’s averages 77.9 points per Gaels, which ranks 146th nationally. Defensively they allow 63 points per game (28th). The Hawks shot 46.6% from the field (116th) and 30.4% from distance (290th). The Gaels shoot 66.8% from the free throw line (290) and grab 43.8 rebounds per game, which is sixth best in the country.

Augustas Marciulionis leads Saint Mary’s with 15 points and a team-high 5.8 assists this season, while Paulius Murauskas added 13.1 points and a team-high 9.8 rebounds.

Why the Utah Utes will win

• Utah has won each of its last 18 games against non-conference opponents at the Jon M. Huntsman Center.
• Utah has won the first half in each of its last 18 games against non-conference opponents at the Jon M. Huntsman Center.

Why the Saint Mary’s Gaels will win

• Saint Mary’s has won 25 of its last 27 games against opponents not ranked in the AP rankings.
• Utah has lost each of its last six Saturday games against the West Coast Conference.
• Saint Mary’s has won the first half in each of its last nine games against opponents not ranked in the AP.

Saint Mary’s Gaels vs Utah Utes Prediction

Utah is 2-1 in its three meetings against Saint Mary’s and 2-1 against the spread. In their last meeting last year, Utah won on the road 78-71. In this Saint Mary’s Gaels vs. Utah Utes prediction, Utah is the -1.5 home favorite. Utah is better offensively, scoring 12.5 more points than Saint Mary’s, while the Gaels are better defensively, allowing 0.7 fewer points. The Utes have elite shooting percentages and rank in the top 35 in the nation in field goals, 3-pointers and free throws. Utah is also undefeated at home this season, winning by an average of 26.7 points. The value here is with the home team, so pick the Utah Utes and score at home.