Washington State Cougars (19-14) vs Santa Clara Broncos (21-11)
Game Info: Tuesday, March 15, 2022 at 11:00 pm (Wallis Beasley Performing Arts Coliseum)
Betting Odds: Washington State Cougars -3 -- Over/Under: 151 Click Here for the Latest Odds
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The Santa Clara Broncos will play the Washington State Cougars in the first round of the NIT on Tuesday.
The Santa Clara Broncos are 21-11 (10-5) this season and have won three of their last four games. Santa Clara is coming off of a loss against Saint Mary’s by a score of 75-72 in the WCC Semifinals. Santa Clara shot 40.6% from the field and 65.2% on free throws in the loss. Josip Vrankic led the Broncos with 21 points and 8 rebounds in the game. Santa Clara is averaging 78.1 points per game and is giving up 72.2 points per game against, while also averaging 35.3 rebounds per game and 15.2 assists per game. Jalen Williams is averaging 18 points per game and 4.2 assists per game, while Josip Vrankic is averaging 15.5 points per game and 5.5 rebounds per game for the Broncos. Santa Clara is shooting 49% on field goals, 76.2% on free throws, and 38.8% on three pointers.
The Washington State Cougars are 19-14 (11-9) this season and have won five of their last seven games. Washington State lost to UCLA by a score of 75-65 in the Quarterfinals of the Pac-12 Tournament. Washington State shot 41.5% from the field and was -15 in rebounding margin in the loss. Andrej Jakimovski led the Cougars with 15 points and 4 rebounds in the game. Washington State is averaging 71.9 points per game and is giving up 65.4 points per game against, while also averaging 36.5 rebounds per game and 11.2 assists per game. Michael Flowers is averaging 14 points per game and 3.3 assists per game, while Tyrell Roberts is averaging 11 points per game and 2.4 rebounds per game for the Cougars. Washington State is shooting 41% on field goals, 74.7% on free throws, and 34% on three pointers.
Santa Clara is 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games and 5-1 ATS in their last 6 road games. The over is 4-0 in Santa Clara’s last 4 games. Washington State is 1-5 ATS in their last 6 home games and 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games. The over is 5-1-1 in Washington State’s last 7 games.
Santa Clara had a really good season in the WCC and actually finished ahead of San Francisco, who is in the NCAA Tournament, in the standings. Washington State finished the season playing well and finished tied for 5th in the PAC-12. I expect a lot of points to be scored in this game, but I like Santa Clara to take this one.