Portland vs. Santa Clara - 2/1/20 College Basketball Pick, Odds, and Prediction

Defensively, Santa Clara is allowing their opponents to average of 70.2 ppg on 46.8% shooting from the field. The Broncos have a rebound margin of -0.9 and a turnover margin of 1.0.

The Portland Pilots lost their 6th consecutive game and dropped to 9-14 (1-7 WCC) on the season after being defeated by the Saint Mary’s Gaels, 86-64, this past Thursday. Portland had no answers on the defensive end agianst the Gaels and trailed by double-digits throughout the 2nd half after going into to halftime behind by a 47-30 margin. Portland shot 48.1% from the field, however, the Pilots defense struggled, allowing the Gaels to shoot 53.3% from the field and 45.0% from beyond the arc. Leading the way for the Pilots was Tahirou Diabate who had 18 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, and 4 blocks.

On the season, Portland is averaging 68.0 ppg on 44.3% shooting from the field. The Pilots are averaging 6.9 three-pointers per game on 35.9% shooting from beyond the arc. Offensively, Portland has been led by Isaiah White (12.2 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 2.1 apg, 1.3 spg), JoJo Walker (10.8 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 2.4 apg), and Malcolm Porter (9.8 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 1.6 apg).

Defensively, Portland is allowing their opponents to average 70.2 ppg on 42.4% shooting from the field. The Pilots have a rebound margin of -4.5 and a turnover margin of -0.8.

The Broncos are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games as a favorite and 19-7 ATS in their last 26 Saturday games. The Pilots are 10-4 ATS in their last 14 Saturday games, however, are just 2-7 ATS in their last 9 home games.

Santa Clara has been led by their offense this season which comes into this match-up ranked 53rd in scoring offense, 39th in FG%, and 24th in assists per game.

Portland has struggled on both ends of the ball this season and currently ranks just 271st in scoring offense, T-204th in scoring defense, and 325th in rebound margin.

Santa Clara has been alternating wins and losses since the beginning of conference play, however, it’s been a struggle for the Broncos on the road this season as they are just 2-4 away from home this season. Portland has picked up just one win since mid-December, but it was an impressive win at home agianst San Francisco and between the fact that Portland has covered at home in their last two outings against the Broncos and that I think the Broncos will come out a bit flat after their big home match-up against Gonzaga, I think Portland does enough to cover with the points. Good Luck!