Gonzaga (13-4) vs Washington State (13-4)
Game Info: Saturday, January 11, 2025 at 9:00 pm (McCarthey Athletic Center)
Betting Odds: Gonzaga -17.5 -- Over/Under: 165 Click Here for the Latest Odds
Where to Watch: ESPN+
The Washington State Cougars and the Gonzaga Bulldogs meet Saturday in college basketball action from the McCarthey Athletic Center. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s a Washington State vs. Gonzaga prediction.
Washington State Recap
The Washington State Cougars come into this game looking to bounce back from a horrendous upset loss to Pacific last time out by a final score of 95-94, falling to 13-4 on the year. After this game, Washington State will head on the road for a game against San Diego.
Cougars Lose Outright As 17.5-Point Favorites To Snap Four-Game Win Streak
Nate Calmese leads the Cougars in scoring and assists with 16.2 PPG and 4.4 APG along with 3.4 RPG while LeJuan Watts has 13.8 PPG with 8.3 RPG and 3.8 APG to lead the Cougars in the rebounding department so far this season. Dane Erikstrup has 12.6 PPG with 4.1 RPG while Isaiah Watts has 12.5 PPG with 4.8 RPG and Ethan Price has added 12.9 PPG with 6 RPG and 2.4 APG as well to cap off the scoring in double figures for Washington State so far this season. As a team, Washington State is averaging 82.3 PPG on 49.2% shooting from the field, 36.6% from three-point range, and 71.8% from the foul line this season.
Why the Washington State Cougars will win
- Washington State has won nine of its last 10 games when playing with a rest disadvantage.
- Gonzaga has lost three of its last four games when playing with a rest advantage.
Gonzaga Recap
The Gonzaga Bulldogs come into this game looking to build on their 93-80 win over San Diego last time out to improve to 13-4 on the year as well. After this game, Gonzaga will head on the road to take on Oregon State.
Bulldogs Win 4th In A Row
Graham Ike leads the Bulldogs in scoring and rebounding with 16.3 PPG and 7.6 RPG while Khalif Battle has 13.6 PPG with 4 RPG. Ryan Nembhard has 11.6 PPG with 3.4 RPG and a team-high 9.6 APG to lead the Zags in assists as well as 1.8 SPG to lead the way in steals as well. Braden Huff has 11.5 PPG with 3.9 RPG and Ben Gregg has 10.1 PPG with 5.4 RPG, rounding out the group of double-digit scorers for Gonzaga so far this season. Nolan Hickman has also chipped in 9.5 PPG and 2.6 RPG as well on the year. As a team, Gonzaga is averaging 87.8 PPG on 49.2% shooting from the field, 34.5% from three, and 80.9% from the foul line this season.
Why the Gonzaga Bulldogs will win
- Gonzaga has won each of its last 17 night games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
- Washington State has lost 17 of its last 19 night games against AP-ranked opponents.
Washington State vs. Gonzaga Prediction
I’m going to take Washington State and the points here. I know it was a terrible loss for the Cougars, but one loss doesn’t mean they should be this big of an underdog. I know Gonzaga is a really good team and the name brand of the West Coast Conference, but they’re also a team that’s gone just 1-8 ATS in their last 9 games, with their lone cover being the win over LMU a couple of games ago. The Zags aren’t blowing out the teams they normally have been year after year and Washington State has a solid enough offense to keep this one respectable. Give me Washington State and the points.
Chris’s Pick Washington State +17.5
AUTHOR: Chris Ruffolo
