St. Mary’s vs. San Francisco: A Clash of WCC Titans
Fast Facts
13-Game Winning Streak
- Saint Mary’s boasts a 13-game winning streak, the second best in the nation behind UConn’s 14-game streak.
Dominance in Margin of Victory
- Gonzaga, Saint Mary’s, and San Francisco rank in the top 12 nationally in margin of victory, showcasing the WCC’s competitiveness.
Strong Conference Representation in Rankings
- The WCC features two teams in the top 25 and three in the top 61 in the latest NET rankings, with Saint Mary’s leading the charge at No. 14.
Defensive Prowess
- Saint Mary’s excels defensively, ranking No. 2 nationally in scoring defense and boasting the best defense in conference play, allowing just 56.7 points per game.
Saint Mary’s Dominance
Saint Mary’s Gaels have been on a tear, winning 13 consecutive games and maintaining an unbeaten record in conference play at 12-0. Their defensive prowess is evident, holding opponents to just 57.7 points per game, the second-lowest average in the nation. Additionally, in conference play, they boast the best defense, conceding a mere 56.7 points per game. Their dominance extends to rebounding, leading the nation with a rebounding margin of 11.9.
Key Players to Watch
- Jonathan Mogbo (San Francisco): Mogbo poses a significant threat with his impressive field goal percentage (.664) and rebounding prowess (10.5 rebounds per game). His performance could heavily influence the outcome of the matchup against Saint Mary’s.
- Aidan Mahaney (Saint Mary’s): Mahaney leads Saint Mary’s offense with 14 points per game, providing a reliable scoring option. His ability to penetrate defenses and facilitate scoring opportunities makes him a key player to watch.
Impact of Joshua Jefferson’s Injury
Saint Mary’s forward Joshua Jefferson, a vital contributor averaging 10.2 points and 6.5 rebounds per game, is sidelined with a left knee injury. His absence leaves a significant void in the team’s lineup, requiring others to step up in his absence.
Strategies and Predictions
Defensive Battle
Expect a defensive battle as both teams excel in limiting their opponents’ scoring opportunities. Saint Mary’s stifling defense, combined with San Francisco’s defensive efficiency, could result in a low-scoring affair.
Saint Mary’s Offensive Response
With Jefferson sidelined, Saint Mary’s will rely on players like Alex Ducas to shoulder a greater scoring load. Ducas’ recent performances indicate his capability to contribute offensively, providing hope for Saint Mary’s offensive production despite Jefferson’s absence.
Betting Insights
Betting analysis suggests targeting Saint Mary’s against the spread, considering their dominance in recent matchups and historical success against San Francisco. With Saint Mary’s favored by -6.5, betting enthusiasts may find value in backing the Gaels, especially given their strong performance in previous meetings.
Final Thoughts
The clash between Saint Mary’s and San Francisco promises to be a tightly contested matchup between two WCC powerhouses. While San Francisco poses a formidable challenge, Saint Mary’s defensive prowess and depth may prove decisive in securing another victory and extending their impressive winning streak.
In summary, the showdown between Saint Mary’s and San Francisco is poised to be a captivating battle between two top-tier WCC teams, with both sides eager to assert their dominance on the national stage.