North Dakota State vs St. Mary’s Prediction 11/4/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The North Dakota State Bison and the Saint Mary’s Gaels will meet Wednesday night in a college basketball matchup at University Credit Union Pavilion in Moraga, California. Let’s take a look at this game from a betting perspective.

North Dakota State Bison vs. Saint Mary’s Gaels Prediction

In my view, this matchup favors the North Dakota State Bison staying within the number (14.5). Why? While Saint Mary’s enters the season after posting an outstanding 28-6 overall record and a dominant 17-1 mark in West Coast Conference play in 2025, the Gaels will be facing one a formidable team in the North Dakota State Bison.

North Dakota State enters this contest after compiling an impressive 27-8 overall record, including a 10-5 road record and a 14-2 mark in Summit League play. The North Dakota State Bison also averaged 78.7 points per game last season, which ranked a robust 87th in the country. More importantly, the North Dakota State Bison consistently won games away from home, clearly illustrating the team could compete at a high level on the road. With that said, I am backing the North Dakota State Bison plus the 14.5 points in this game.

North Dakota State Bison Betting Preview

The North Dakota State Bison enter Wednesday night’s contest after compiling a rather impressive 27-8 overall win-loss record (13-1 home record, 10-5 road record and 14-2 Summit League Conference record) last season.

The Bison amassed victories over the South Dakota State Jackrabbits, North Dakota Fighting Hawks, Oral Roberts Golden Eagles and the Denver Pioneers, while suffering losses to St. Thomas, Kansas City and South Dakota.

The North Dakota State Bison averaged 78.7 points per game (87th in nation) last season while allowing opponents 71.4 points per contest. What did we learn from the data just presented? The Bison possessed a high-powered offense and consistently found ways to win games, particularly against conference competition.

Saint Mary’s Gaels Betting Preview

The Saint Mary’s Gaels enter Wednesday night’s matchup after posting a 28-6 overall record (16-1 home record, 8-3 road record and 17-1 West Coast Conference record) last season. Earlier this week, the Gaels opened the 2026 regular season by defeating the Illinois State Redbirds 90-85.

The Gaels recorded notable victories over the Gonzaga Bulldogs, San Francisco Dons, Santa Clara Broncos and the Loyola Marymount Lions, while losing games to the Boise State Broncos and the Texas A&M Aggies. Additionally, Saint Mary’s earned yet another NCAA Tournament appearance in 2025.

The Saint Mary’s Gaels averaged 76.8 points per game (125th in country) while allowing just 65.2 points per contest which ranked seventh in the nation. The Gaels relied on an outstanding defense and strong rebounding to win games in 2025.   

Why the North Dakota State Bison Will Win

• Program stability. North Dakota State has historically been one of the best teams in the Summit League.

• Offensive capability. Last season, North Dakota State averaged 78.7 points per game which ranked 87th in the nation.

• Quality conference play. The North Dakota State Bison amassed a 14-2 record in Summit League Conference play in 2025.

• Ability to win on the road. The North Dakota State Bison played at a high level on the road last season, compiling a 10-5 win-loss record away from home.

Why the Saint Mary’s Gaels Will Win

• Winning pedigree. Saint Mary’s has established itself as one of the premier mid-major programs in college basketball.

• Elite defense. Last season, the Saint Mary’s Gaels allowed opponents just 65.2 points per game which ranked seventh in the country.

• Home court advantage. The Saint Mary’s Gaels played exceptional basketball at home in 2025, amassing a 16-1 record at the University Credit Union Pavilion.

Hans Geevers's Pick: North Dakota State +14.5