Bryce Drew is crafting a powerhouse. He is leading the Grand Canyon Antelopes (29-4, 17-3 WAC) to their third NCAA appearance in four years, and this squad is his finest yet. Ranked just outside the top 50 in VSiN Power Ratings and KenPom’s efficiency, GCU shines on both offense and defense.
With dynamite players like Tyon Grant-Foster and Ray Harrison, they’re a force to be reckoned with, especially in their fortress-like defense inside the arc, boasting top-10 rankings in EFG% and 2PT% defense.
The only chink in their armor? A solid center, as Duke Brennan, while talented, often finds foul trouble against bigger teams.
On the other side, Saint Mary’s (26-7, 15-1 WCC) has consistently been strong, yet it’s struggled to translate that into March Madness triumphs. This year could be different.
Excelling in EFG% defense and adept at guarding the 3-point line, they make it hard for opponents to score inside. However, the offensive load heavily rests on Aidan Mahaney, revealing a gap in creative play.
Despite their defensive prowess and a top-10 2PT% defense, Randy Bennett’s squad has its skeptics, thanks to a shaky non-conference record.
No. 12 Grand Canyon vs No. 5 Saint Mary’s Odds & Details
- Date: Friday, March 22, 2024
- Time: 10:05 p.m. ET
- Watch: TruTV
- Location: Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena; Spokane, WA
- Spread: Grand Canyon +5.5 (-112), Saint Mary’s -5.5 (-108)
- Moneyline: Grand Canyon (+185), Saint Mary’s (-225)
- Total: Over/Under 131.0 (-108/-112)
Grand Canyon vs Saint Mary’s Betting Pick & Prediction
Get ready for a thrilling potential upset in the first round: the No. 12 seed Grand Canyon Antelopes are taking on the No. 5 seed Saint Mary’s Gaels, and it’s shaping up to be a clash you won’t want to miss.
The Gaels, who only dropped one game in WCC play, bounced back fiercely to clinch the WCC title from Gonzaga. They’re entering this match as 5.5-point favorites, fresh off their WAC championship win.
It’s business as usual with Randy Bennett steering the Gaels into yet another NCAA Tournament, powered by the exceptional guard duo of WCC Player of the Year Augustas Marciulionis and sharpshooter Aidan Mahaney.
Saint Mary’s defense is as solid as ever, ranking 16th in defensive efficiency. However, they’re hitting the court without key player Joshua Jefferson, leaving Mason Forbes to pick up extra minutes alongside Mitchell Saxen.
Grand Canyon isn’t coming lightly, boasting standout talents like Tyon Grant-Foster and Ray Harrison, who have been pivotal in creating scoring opportunities. Harrison, taking on a more strategic role this year, and Grant-Foster, with his knack for turning rebounds into rapid attacks, are looking to exploit the Gaels’ defense.
The Antelopes excel at getting to the free-throw line, a critical advantage given their 75% success rate at free throws. This, coupled with their aggressive play, could tilt the scales in their favor.
I’m banking on Grand Canyon’s dynamic duo to spark an upset at +185 on the moneyline. This is the 12/5 upset that’s got me on the edge of my seat.
PREDICTION: GCU wins 63-62
BET: GCU +5.5 (-112)
BET: Under 131.0 (-112)
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