Will the Gaels pull off the small upset when they host the Bulldogs in Saturday night’s Gonzaga vs. Saint Mary’s matchup at 11:00 p.m. ET?
Game Matchup & Betting Odds
Illinois Fighting Illini (-4) at Nebraska Cornhuskers (+4); o/u 154.5
8:30 p.m. ET, Thursday, January 30, 2025
Pinnacle Bank Arena, Lincoln, NE
TV: FS1
Gonzaga vs. Saint Mary’s Public Betting: Bettors leaning towards home dog
Our CBB Public Betting Information page indicates that 56% of public bettors are currently backing Saint Mary’s when it comes to the spread. This information is subject to change throughout the day, however, so be sure to check the link so you’re receiving the most up-to-date public betting data.
Nembhard has another pass-first outing
Ryan Nembhard closed Saturday’s 105-62 win over Portland with two points (1-4 FG, 0-2 3Pt), 13 assists and two steals over 26 minutes. Nembhard’s scoring continues to be down compared to last season with so many talented offensive options on the roster, but he remains an elite distributor for Gonzaga. He’s now recorded double-digit assists in five of six games, including a season-best 15 in the previous Saturday’s loss to Santa Clara. The recent run has brought his season-long averaging up to 9.9 apg and extended his lead over LA Tech’s Sean Newman (9.0 apg) for the best mark in the country.
Marciulionis leading Gaels during hot run
Augustas Marciulionis racked up 19 points (7-12 FG, 3-5 3Pt, 2-3 FT) and seven assists across 37 minutes during Saturday’s 80-75 win over Washington State. While rival Gonzaga has struggled a bit of late, Marciulionis has led St. Mary’s to an 8-0 start to WCC play and 18-3 overall record. He’s recorded double-digit scoring in five of the last six games, averaging 14.5 ppg and 5.2 apg over that span and bringing his season-long average up to a team-high 13.9 ppg. He and the Gaels will look at avoid a trap game Wednesday at Santa Clara before facing Gonzaga for the first time this year the following Saturday.
Gonzaga vs. Saint Mary’s CBB Prediction:
Take Saint Mary’s. The Gaels have lost six out of their last 10 meetings with the Bulldogs, but they’re too hot to pass up. They’re 9-1 in their last 10 games overall, covering in seven out of those 10 contests. Saint Mary’s has won nine straight games entering play tonight and despite their struggles versus Gonzaga, the Gaels have won two out of their last three games versus the Bulldogs. Gonzaga, meanwhile, has dropped seven out of its last 10 games against the spread.
Gonzaga vs. Saint Mary’s Hoops Prediction: SAINT MARY’S GAELS +1.5