Saint Mary’s Gaels vs Portland Pilots Betting Preview
The Saint Mary’s Gaels look to continue their dominant season, while the Portland Pilots aim to defend the Chiles Center in this West Coast Conference clash.
Line Movement and Odds
Saint Mary’s enters as the heavy favorite, but Portland’s home record makes this line worth monitoring. Current market:
- Saint Mary’s Spread: -14.5 (-107)
- Portland Spread: +14.5 (-118)
- Saint Mary’s MoneyLine: -1215
- Portland MoneyLine: +691
- Total: 145.5 (-110)
Check the College Basketball Odds page for real-time updates and sharper angles before tip-off.
Matchup Breakdown
Saint Mary’s Outlook
The Gaels average 77.9 points per game, with Joshua Dent, Paulius Murauskas, and Mitchell Saxen leading the offense. Dent’s 16 points vs Oregon State highlighted his consistency, while Murauskas’ 19 points per game showcase his impact. Saint Mary’s efficiency (46.8% FG; 80.8% FT, 21st nationally; 18-3 overall record; 4-2 road record) underscores their strengths. Their ability to dominate on both ends makes them a dangerous favorite.
Portland Outlook
The Pilots average 74.2 points per game, with Joel Foxwell, Mikah Ballew, and Vuk Vuksanovic driving production. Foxwell’s 18 points vs Loyola Marymount highlighted his consistency, while Ballew’s 17 points showcased his impact. Portland’s efficiency (47.0% FG; 17.8 assists per game, 33rd nationally; 9-4 home record; 10-11 overall record) underscores their strengths. Their ability to defend the Chiles Center makes them tough at home.
Key Factors
This matchup may hinge on pace and rebounding. Saint Mary’s thrives on disciplined play and balanced scoring, while Portland must rely on Foxwell’s offensive firepower and Ballew’s perimeter shooting to tilt the game. Execution in the final minutes will likely decide the margin.
Injuries / Availability
Saint Mary’s: The Gaels report no fresh injury concerns heading into Saturday’s contest.
Portland: The Pilots are expected to have their full rotation available.
Environment
The Chiles Center has been a reliable venue for Portland, where they’ve gone 9-4 this season. Saint Mary’s enters with confidence from strong offensive performances, making this a clash of home strength vs road-tested resilience.
Best Bets and Prediction
Projected Final Score: Saint Mary’s 80, Portland 70
- Portland +14.5 → Best Bet. Their offensive efficiency and home-court presence suggest they can stay within the number.
- Under 145.5 → Total play. Both teams’ slower pace points toward a combined score below the line.
Saint Mary’s depth and shooting rhythm should carry them to victory, while Portland’s offense keeps the spread in play. Expect a moderately low-scoring contest with totals landing just under the posted number.
Handicappers and Service Plays
WCC games often create unique betting opportunities. Our Best Handicappers spotlight experts who consistently read market trends, while the Leaderboard highlights who’s riding hot streaks. Premium insights in Buy Picks provide deeper reasoning behind each wager. For contests like Saint Mary’s vs Portland, expert perspectives can help identify sharp angles in spreads and totals.


