Loyola Marymount vs Santa Clara Prediction 1/10/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The Loyola Marymount Lions and the Santa Clara Broncos will meet on Saturday night in a West Coast Conference matchup at the Leavey Center in Santa Clara, California.

Santa Clara Broncos Betting Preview

The Santa Clara Broncos enter Thursday evening’s contest with a 13–5 win‑loss record, including a 4–1 mark in WCC play and an 8-0 record at home. The Broncos have compiled wins over Pepperdine, Portland, Oregon State, and North Texas, while dropping games to Loyola Chicago and Gonzaga. Earlier this season, in the Santa Clara Broncos 82–63 victory over the Pepperdine Waves, Santa Clara guard Christian Hammond tallied 20 points (9 of 18 shooting from the field), 6 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals and 1 block, illustrating his ability to anchor the Broncos backcourt.

The Santa Clara Broncos average 82.1 points on 46.6 percent shooting from the field and 33.2 percent shooting from beyond the arc per game. Defensively, the Broncos are allowing opponents 71.5 points per contest. It should also be noted that the Broncos also attempt 29.7 three-point shots per game which ranks 19th in the country.

Sophomore guard Christian Hammond leads the Santa Clara Broncos averaging 16.8 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.3 steals on 51 percent shooting from the field per contest. Sophomore forward Allen Graves contributes 9.2 points and 6.7 rebounds per game. Junior guard Elijah Mahi adds 14.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.1 steals per game.

Loyola Marymount Lions Betting Preview

The Loyola Marymount Lions enter Tuesday night’s contest with an 11–7 win-loss record, including a 2-3 mark in conference play and a 2–2 record on the road. The Lions have amassed wins over Lincoln, Eastern Washington, Arkansas‑Pine Bluff, UTEP, Troy, UC Santa Barbara, and Ohio, while losing games to Florida Atlantic, Stony Brook, Saint Louis, and UC San Diego. More recently, in the Loyola Marymount Lions 84-82 double overtime win over the San Francisco Dons two days ago, Loyola Marymount guard Jan Vide amassed 23 points (8 of 18 shooting from the field), 7 rebounds and 2 steals.  

The Loyola Marymount Lions average 73.6 points on 44.7 percent shooting from the field and 36.4 percent shooting from beyond the arc per game. On the defensive side of the basketball, the Lions are allowing opponents 69.6 points per game which ranks 68th in the country.

Senior guard Myron Amey Jr. leads the Loyola Marymount Lions averaging 13.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.2 steals per game. Junior guard Rodney Brown Jr. averages 14.7 points, 2.3 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 0.7 steals per contest, while junior guard Jan Vide contributes 14.2 points, 2.4 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game. Sophomore forward Jalen Shelley provides a strong interior presence averaging 12.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 0.7 steals a contest.  

Why the Santa Clara Broncos will win

•             Three‑point volume. Santa Clara attempts 29.7 three-point shots per game which ranks 19th in the nation.

•             Offensive edge. The Santa Clara Broncos average 82.1 points per game. Conversely, the Loyola Marymount Lions are averaging 73.6 points per contest.

•             Backcourt play. Sophomore guard Christian Hammond is averaging 16.8 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.3 steals per game while shooting a rather impressive 41.4 percent from three‑point range per contest.

Why the Loyola Marymount Lions will win

•             Ability to win on the road. The Loyola Marymount Lions are 2-2 on the road this season.

•             Star guard play. Myron Amey Jr. and Jan Vide combine for over 27 points per game.

Santa Clara Broncos vs. Loyola Marymount Lions Prediction

In my view, Santa Clara’s home court advantage, offensive balance, and recent form give them the clear edge in this matchup. Loyola Marymount’s guard play should help them remain competitive, but Santa Clara’s ability to generate efficient possessions and defend without fouling makes them the more reliable side. For the reasons just noted, I am backing the Santa Clara Broncos in this game.

Hans Geevers's Pick: Santa Clara Broncos TBA