Saint Mary's failed on a chance to nail down a West Coast Conference championship Thursday losing in overtime at home to rival Gonzaga. Tonight (11 PM Eastern) the Gaels must win versus visiting Portland to ensure a portion of the conference crown and hope Gonzaga loses on the road to the Toreros of San Diego. Odds makers at most offshore sports shops list the Gaels as 11-chalk favorites versus the Pilots.
Keeping up to date on current NCAA Basketball Point Spreads, will equip the college basketball fan with the best tools for smart hoops betting – All the way through the 2011 NCAA Tournament.
Early betting trends show public support behind the Gaels in this one with 59 percent of side bettors giving the points (-11) ATS. Money line and totals odds are not available for this game.
Saint Mary's owns a 22-7 overall record and a 10-3 mark in league play and has been in first-place in the league standings all season. The Gaels are 13-2 at home this season, including a 5-1 mark in league play, and had won 11-straight conference games before Thursday's setback to Gonzaga.
College Basketball's regular season could not more exciting than right now as it turns down the final stretch towards March Madness. Point-Spreads.com hoops expert handicappers Reno Gold and John Day will be providing 2011 NCAA Basketball Predictions all the way to the Final-4 and Championship Game.
Portland is 0-5 SU in its last five games when playing on the road against St. Mary's. The Pilots are also 1-5 ATS in their last six games when playing at St. Mary's. The Gael's have not been dependable ATS at home or on the road of late going 1-6-1 ATS in their last eight games. St. Mary's is very good at home winning SU in 21 of their last 24 games.
Portland vs. St. Mary's predictions: The Pilots play the best defense in the WCC and because of that, will keep the score close. NCAAB Spreads BEST BET – Pilots +11.
