Santa Clara Broncos (23-9) vs Sam Houston State Bearkats (25-7)
Game Info: Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at 9:00 pm (Leavey Center)
Betting Odds: Santa Clara Broncos -4.5 -- Over/Under: 143 Click Here for the Latest Odds
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The Sam Houston State Bearkats will head out to the Bay Area to face the Santa Clara Broncos in the first round of the NIT from the Leavey Center on ESPN+. Sam Houston won the lone meeting back in November of 2017, 73-59.
Sam Houston Betting Preview
Sam Houston State is 25-7 after falling to Grand Canyon in the WAC Tournament. The Bearkats watched their halftime lead disappear, as the Antelopes would march back to hand them a three-point loss, 78-75. SHSU is scoring 77.3 points per game, while allowing 73.0 ppg, and shooting 45.6% from the floor.
Sam Houston picked up eight straight wins before letting the first half lead slip away to Grand Canyon, and they’ll look to end a fellow impressive mid-major’s season here. Senior guard Qua Grant scored a game-high 24 points in the loss to GCU, and he leads the Bearkats in scoring (14.0) and assists (4.1). Senior guard Donte Powers scored a game-high 21 points in the quarterfinal win over Cal Baptist, and he’s second on the team at 11.4 ppg.
Santa Clara Betting Preview
Santa Clara moved to 23-9 after losing to nearby foe San Francisco in the WCC Quarterfinals. following a road win over San Diego. The Broncos bullied the Toreros early then cruised to an 18-point win, 81-63. SCU is scoring 77.3 points per game, while allowing 73.0 ppg, and shooting 45.6% from the floor.
Santa Clara was one of the tougher teams to leave out of the field of 68 after winning seven straight games prior an-early WCC tournament loss to San Francisco. Sophomore guard Brandin Podziemski has double-doubled in each of the last five games, and he leads SCU in scoring (19.9) and rebounding (8.8). Carlos Stewart scored 22 points in the quarterfinal loss to USF, and he’s second on the team at 15.3 ppg. Fifth-year starter Keshawn Justice has hit three treys in four of the last five games, and he’s third in the team at 13.5 ppg.
Sam Houston vs Santa Clara Trends
Sam Houston is 17-10-1 against the spread this season, with a 12-16 over/under record. Santa Clara is 16-15 ATS this year, with a 15-16 o/u record. The Over is 4-1 in SCU's last 5 overall.
Corey's Free Pick
Santa Clara comes into a nice spot to advance here Wednesday evening. The Broncos size advantage is going to give Sam Houston some trouble here, and Brandon Podziemski will be the best player on the floor. The 6’5 swingman is a real game-changer, and a trustworthy player to lean on here in March. SCU will also have the privilege of playing in the Bay Area, and I like them advancing and covering here.
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Corey’s Pick Santa Clara -4.5
AUTHOR: Corey Ghee
Mitch's Take...
