Santa Clara Broncos vs
Washington St. CougarsPredictions & Preview

Santa Clara Broncos Favored to Beat Washington State in Highly Anticipated West Coast Matchup

The upcoming basketball game between Santa Clara and Washington State is a highly anticipated matchup on the West Coast. Both teams are coming off recent games, with Santa Clara defeating Loyola Marymount and Washington State falling to Gonzaga. In their previous encounters, each team has five victories in the all-time series, with Santa Clara winning the last two games. Santa Clara is currently the betting favorite at -2.5. Stay tuned for our prediction for the game.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Broncos -144 | Cougars +120
• Spread: Broncos -2.5 (-110) | Cougars +2.5 (-110)
• Total: Over/Under 157.25 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Santa Clara will win straight-up is 59%.

Santa Clara Broncos

Santa Clara recently secured their fifth victory in six games by defeating Loyola Marymount at home. The Broncos now have an overall record of 18-10 and rank fourth in the WCC with a 10-5 conference record. In their game against Loyola Marymount, Santa Clara took control early on with a 14-7 run, ultimately securing a nine-point lead at halftime. They maintained their lead throughout the game and finished with a solid victory. Santa Clara displayed strong shooting, hitting 43.8% from the field and 11 of 32 from three-point range, while also dominating the boards with a 48-27 margin. Carlos Stewart Jr. led the team with 16 points in the win.

Santa Clara's offensive stats rank them 45th in the nation for scoring, averaging 80.1 points per game. They also collect an average of 38.1 rebounds and 16.7 assists per game. Defensively, the team ranks 188th nationally, allowing 71.9 points per game. Adama Alpha-Bal leads the team in scoring and assists with 13.1 points and three assists per game. The Broncos have other key contributors such as Christoph Tilly, Carlos Stewart Jr., and Elijah Mahi, all averaging double figures in points.

In terms of shooting percentages, Santa Clara hits 46.7% of their field goals and 36.5% of their three-point attempts. They have a strong free throw percentage of 72.8%. The Broncos are ranked 9th in power rankings and have an efficient offense, ranking 90th in field goal percentage, 60th in three-point percentage, and 150th in free throw percentage. Defensively, they rank 113th in field goal percentage allowed, 51st in three-point percentage allowed, and 170th in free throw percentage allowed. Overall, Santa Clara's performance on both ends of the court has contributed to their success this season.

Washington St. Cougars Analysis

Washington State suffered a loss to Gonzaga, marking their seventh defeat in the last eight games. Despite leading early on, the Cougars ultimately fell short, trailing by as much as 25 points in the second half. With a 16-12 overall record, they currently sit in seventh place in the WCC with a 6-9 conference mark. LeJuan Watts led the team with 19 points and five assists in the loss. The Cougars have shown strength in scoring offense, averaging 77.5 points per game, but struggle defensively, allowing an average of 76.6 points per game. Nate Calmese, Cedric Coward, and Dane Erikstrup are key scoring options, while Washington State shoots efficiently from the field but struggles at the free-throw line. The team's power ranking is 349, with strong offensive statistics but weaknesses in defense and rebounding. Injuries to Coward and Wilson have impacted the team, with uncertainty surrounding their return timelines.

Santa Clara's Offensive Strengths Poised to Overcome Washington State's Defensive Woes

Santa Clara has been successful in five out of their last six games, whereas Washington State has only won one out of their last eight. The Broncos exhibit strong offensive capabilities and will face a Cougars team that has been plagued by injuries throughout the season. Conversely, Washington State's defensive performance has been lacking, allowing 75 points or more in seven of their past eight matchups. This weakness may prove costly against Santa Clara's formidable offensive prowess. It is anticipated that the Broncos will secure a victory on the road, capitalizing on the challenges faced by Washington State.

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