San Diego (18-14) vs Santa Clara (19-12)
Game Info: Saturday, March 9, 2024 at 10:00 pm (Orleans Arena)
Betting Odds: Santa Clara -11.5 - Over/Under: 147.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
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The Santa Clara Broncos and the San Diego Toreros will meet in the Quarterfinals of the West Coast Conference Tournament this Saturday night in Las Vegas from the Orleans Arena on ESPN2. Santa Clara comes in as 11.5-point favorites, with the total hovering 148.5. Stay tuned for our Santa Clara vs San Diego Prediction.
San Diego Preview: Are the Toreros Worth a Shot As Underdogs?
San Diego moved to 18-14 after defeating Pepperdine in the second round by five, 57-52. The Toreros outlasted the Waves in an unusually low-scoring bout, and they’ll now attempt to upset the Broncos on Saturday. USD is scoring 72.3 points per game, on 42.9% shooting, while allowing 66.6 ppg. The Toreros are averaging 73.3 possessions per game (61st), while shooting 34.6% from deep, and 73.1% from the stripe.
USD's Impact Players
- Junior guard Deuce Turner struggled in the Pepperdine victory despite closing the season on a strong note, and he remains San Diego’s leader in scoring (15.8).
- Veteran guard Wayne McKinney also had a tough time in the round one win over the Waves, but he’s still second on the team at 13.6 ppg.
- LA Native Steven Jameson II grabbed 13 boards in both wins over Pacific & Pepperdine, and he leads USD in rebounding (8.4), while scoring 8.6 ppg.
Santa Clara Preview: Can the Broncos Keep Their Bubble Hopes Alive?
Santa Clara closed at 19-12 after defeating San Francisco at home, 69-62. The Broncos held off the Dons in the second half to pin the regional victory, and they’ll seek similar results here against the Toreros. SCU is scoring 76.4 points per game, on 45.8% shooting, while allowing 72.3 ppg. The Broncos are averaging 71.1 possessions per game (155th), while shooting 35.4% from deep, and 70.5% from the stripe.
SCU's Impact Players
- Former Arizona guard Adama-Alpha Bal went for a team-high 22 points in the Portland matchup, and he leads Santa Clara in scoring (14.5) and assists (3.1).
- Veteran guard Carlos Marshall Jr. led the way with 16 points in the USF victory, and he’s second on SCU at 12.8 ppg and 4.4 rpg.
- American transfer Johnny O’Neil scored 14 points or more in five of the final six games, and he leads SCU in rebounding (5.6), while scoring 10.6 ppg.
Santa Clara vs San Diego Game Facts
- Santa Clara leads the all-time series, 54-39, after winning four the last five meetings.
- USD is 14-16 ATS, with a 17-13 over/under record.
- SCU is 18-11-1 against the spread, with a 13-17 O/U record
San Diego vs Santa Clara Prediction
San Diego snuck away from Pepperdine in their round two matchup, but they may not get so lucky here with Santa Clara. The Broncos have to win the tournament in order to go dancing, but with an impressive non-conference resume, even a trip to the Final would gain them some consideration. The Toreros have tailed off down the stretch, and there’s a strong chance their season ends here, so it should come down to a matter of how much. I’d tilt the double-digit margin slightly in Santa Clara’s favor, and roll with them for this WCC Quarterfinal.
Corey’s Pick Santa Clara TO COVER
AUTHOR: Corey Ghee
Mitch's Take...
