Saint Mary’s Gaels vs Gonzaga Bulldogs Picks and Predictions January 31st 2026

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Saint Mary’s Gaels vs Gonzaga Bulldogs Betting Preview

The Saint Mary’s Gaels head to Spokane to face the Gonzaga Bulldogs in a marquee West Coast Conference clash at the McCarthey Athletic Center. Saint Mary’s enters with a 19-3 record and confidence from a win over Portland, while Gonzaga looks to extend its dominant 21-1 season and perfect 16-0 home mark. With the Bulldogs favored by 9.5 points, this contest highlights a battle between Gonzaga’s explosive offense and Saint Mary’s disciplined execution.

Line Movement and Odds

Oddsmakers lean toward Gonzaga, but Saint Mary’s efficiency keeps this line interesting. Current market:

  • Saint Mary’s Spread: +9.5 (-110)
  • Gonzaga Spread: -9.5 (-115)
  • Saint Mary’s MoneyLine: +393
  • Gonzaga MoneyLine: -587
  • Total: 145.5 (-110)

You can monitor real-time shifts and betting trends on the College Basketball Odds hub, which updates throughout the day with fresh market data.

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Matchup Breakdown

Saint Mary’s Outlook

The Gaels average 74 points per game, with Paulius Murauskas, Joshua Dent, and Aidan Mahaney leading the charge. Murauskas’ 24 points and nine rebounds vs Portland highlighted his dominance, while Dent’s seven assists showcased his playmaking. Saint Mary’s efficiency (19-3 overall record; 46.7% FG; 81% FT shooting) underscores their strengths. Their ability to stay composed in close games makes them dangerous even against elite opponents.

Gonzaga Outlook

The Bulldogs average 88.9 points per game, with Jalen Warley, Braden Huff, and Nolan Hickman driving production. Warley’s 19 points vs San Francisco highlighted his consistency, while Huff’s 66.2% shooting showcased his efficiency. Gonzaga’s efficiency (21-1 overall record; 16-0 at home; 51.7% FG, 4th nationally) underscores their strengths. Their ability to score consistently and defend their home court makes them one of the toughest teams in the nation.

Key Factors

This matchup may hinge on tempo and shot selection. Saint Mary’s thrives on Murauskas’ scoring and Dent’s playmaking, while Gonzaga must rely on Warley’s hot hand and Huff’s efficiency to tilt the game. Execution in the final minutes will likely decide whether Gonzaga covers the spread.

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Injuries / Availability

Saint Mary’s: The Gaels report no fresh injury concerns heading into Saturday’s contest.

Gonzaga: The Bulldogs are expected to have their full rotation available.

Environment

The McCarthey Athletic Center has been a fortress for Gonzaga, where they’ve gone 16-0 this season. Saint Mary’s, however, has shown resilience with five road wins, making this a clash of Gonzaga’s home dominance versus the Gaels’ ability to grind out results away from Moraga.

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Best Bets and Prediction

Projected Final Score: Gonzaga 88, Saint Mary’s 76

  • Gonzaga -9.5 → Best Bet. Their offensive firepower and home-court advantage suggest they can cover the spread.
  • Over 145.5 → Total play. Both teams’ scoring pace points toward a combined score above the line.

Gonzaga’s depth and shooting should carry them to victory, while Saint Mary’s efficiency keeps the spread competitive. Expect a high-scoring contest with totals landing comfortably over the posted number.

Handicappers and Service Plays

WCC matchups often spotlight tempo battles and offensive surges. Our Best Handicappers highlight analysts who specialize in high-scoring conference trends, while the Leaderboard tracks who’s delivering consistent returns. For Saint Mary’s vs Gonzaga, expert insights in Buy Picks can help bettors decide whether the spread or total offers the sharper edge.

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