Washington St. Cougars vs
Santa Clara BroncosPredictions & Preview

Washington State Cougars Set to Face Santa Clara Broncos in West Coast Conference Showdown

On Thursday, January 23, 2025, the Washington State Cougars will face off against the Santa Clara Broncos in a West Coast Conference matchup at the Leavey Center in Santa Clara, CA. Last season, the Broncos secured a 69-61 victory over the Cougars in a non-conference game at a neutral site. Santa Clara is currently favored to win with a -4 opening line that has not changed. Stay informed with our Washington State vs. Santa Clara prediction and explore additional NCAAB picks for Thursday's games.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Cougars +155 | Broncos -188
• Spread: Cougars +4 (-110) | Broncos -4 (-110)
• Total: Over/Under 159.5 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Santa Clara will win straight-up is 65%.

Washington St. vs Santa Clara Stats

Washington St. Cougars

Washington State Cougars recently got back on track with consecutive wins against San Diego and Portland after tough losses to Pacific and Gonzaga. They have been led by junior guard Nate Calmese, who averages 17.3 points and 4.7 assists per game. The team scores 112.0 points per 100 possessions and gives up 101.0 points in return. With a power ranking of 154, the Cougars are ranked 39th in offense, shooting 49.36% from the field, and 276th in defense, allowing 74.90 points per game. They have a 15-5 record and are 13-7 against the spread this season. Offensively, they rank 15th in field goal percentage and 73rd in three-point percentage. Defensively, they allow 43.33% shooting from the field and 30.88% from beyond the arc. Washington State is currently ranked 81st in the NCAA NET Rankings.

Santa Clara Broncos Analysis

The Santa Clara Broncos have been performing well lately, winning four of their last five games, including an impressive upset against No. 16 Gonzaga. Led by senior guards Tyeree Bryan and Adama-Alpha Bal, the Broncos have a balanced offensive attack with five players averaging double digits in points per game. They have a strong offensive rating, scoring 116.4 points per 100 possessions, and currently rank 64th in the NCAA NET Rankings. Defensively, they are allowing 101.7 points per game. The Broncos have a power ranking of 52 and are ranked 55th in offense, averaging 80.70 points per game. On defense, they are ranked 271st, giving up an average of 74.75 points per game. In their upcoming matchup against Washington State, Santa Clara will look to continue their strong offensive performance and improve on their defensive efficiency.

Washington State Expected to Cover Spread in Close Matchup Against Santa Clara

This upcoming game between Washington State and Santa Clara promises to be an exciting matchup with a closely contested outcome. Based on their performance in conference play, I anticipate that the Cougars will be able to keep the game competitive and cover the 4.5-point spread. While Washington State has a higher turnover rate than desired, Santa Clara's defensive turnover percentage is lacking. Although the Broncos excel in defending the 3-point line, the Cougars have shown strong shooting from beyond the arc. Furthermore, Washington State's defensive strategies have proven effective in limiting opponents' 3-point shooting and forcing turnovers. Statistical trends also indicate that the Cougars have been more successful against the spread in recent games compared to Santa Clara. With these factors in mind, my prediction leans towards Washington State having a strong showing in this matchup.

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