Fresno State vs Santa Clara Prediction College Basketball Picks 12/7/24

In this article, we will formulate a Fresno State vs Santa Clara prediction for this College Basketball game on Saturday, December 7th at the Leavey Center in Santa Clara, California. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

Fresno State Bulldogs Betting Preview

The Fresno State Bulldogs are 3-5 this year after they lost to San Diego State by a score of 84-62 in their last game. Fresno State trailed 29-24 at halftime and allowed 55 points in the second half in the loss. The Bulldogs shot 27.3% from the field, 19.2% on three-pointers, and 70% on free throws in the game. Mykell Robinson led Fresno State with 20 points and 10 rebounds in the loss. 

Prior to that game, the Bulldogs lost to Cal Baptist by a score of 86-81 and Washington State by a score of 84-73. Fresno State has scored 73.5 points per game and they have allowed 78.5 points per game, while also averaging 39.8 rebounds and 9.6 assists per game this season. Amar Augillard is averaging 16.0 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 0.9 steals per game, while Fresno State is shooting 39% from the field, 67.3% on free throws, and 24.9% on three-pointers this year. 

Santa Clara Broncos Betting Preview

The Santa Clara Broncos are 4-5 this season after they defeated McNeese by a score of 74-67 in their last game. Santa Clara trailed 31-28 at halftime, but they scored 46 points in the second half for the comeback win. The Broncos shot 41.1% from the field, 34.5% on three-pointers, and 94.7% on free throws in the game. Tyeree Bryan led Santa Clara with 17 points and two steals in the game. 

Prior to that win, the Broncos lost to Washington by a score of 76-69 but did beat TCU by a score of 69-52 before that. Santa Clara has scored 75 points per game and they have allowed 72.4 points per game, while also averaging 39 rebounds and 13.3 assists per game this season. Elijah Mahi is averaging 12.7 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game, while Santa Clara is shooting 43.5% from the field, 75.8% on free throws, and 31.4% on three-pointers this year. 

Why Santa Clara will beat Fresno State

• Fresno State has lost seven of its last eight games when playing with a rest disadvantage.
• Santa Clara has won nine of its last 10 games at Leavey Center following a road win.
• Santa Clara has won the first half in each of its last four games at Leavey Center.

Fresno State vs Santa Clara Prediction 

Fresno State comes into this matchup trying to snap a three-game losing streak, but they need to play better defense, as they have allowed 84+ points in all three losses. The Bulldogs are also shooting just 39% from the field, so they have really struggled on both sides of the court. Santa Clara has alternated wins and losses over their last six games, but they have also played a very difficult schedule so far this year. The Broncos are clearly the better team in this game and I expect them to win in a blowout. 

David Racey's Pick: Santa Clara -16.5