Portland vs Gonzaga Prediction College Basketball Picks 1/2/25

In this article, we will formulate a Portland vs Gonzaga Prediction for this college basketball game on Thursday, January 2nd, at the Spokane Arena. To formulate this prediction, we will examine:

-The Pilots’ recent form and recent player performance 

-The Bulldogs’ recent form and recent player performance

-Recent Betting trends and streaks involving Gonzaga

-Recent Betting trends and streaks involving Portland

-Recent betting trends in games played between Gonzaga and Portland

-A summary that ties it all together and produces a favorable betting outcome for Today’s Game between the Pilots and Bulldogs. 

Gonzaga Has Been Tested

Gonzaga has been tested to start the season, and that has led to some losses, but also some big wins, including Baylor to start the season. Two games ago against UCLA, Gonzaga scored 62 points but the defense gave up 65 points and that led to the defeat. In the last game against Pepperdine, it wasn’t the prettiest game, but they were able to secure the 89-82 victory. Guard Khalif Battle had a strong game putting 21 points, three rebounds, and three assists. There were four different players that put up at least 12 points. Gonzaga shot 54.5 percent from the field but only 13.3 percent from behind the three-point line. In this game, Gonzaga is going to need to hit more shots from deep. 

Gonzaga on the season is averaging 87.3 points while their defense is giving up 70 points per game. The offense is ranked 11th in the league while the defense is ranked 148th. Graham Ike is averaging 16.1 points while shooting 58.9 percent from the field. 

Why Gonzaga Will Beat Portland

• Portland has lost each of its last 15 night games against AP-ranked opponents.
• Gonzaga has won each of its last 14 night games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• Portland has lost the first half in 20 of its last 23 games against AP-ranked opponents.

Can Portland Play Enough Defense?

Portland’s defense has been a major problem heading into this game and they are going to look to bounce back here. Two games ago against Washington State, they lost 89-73 and in the last game against Oregon State, they ended up losing 89-79. In the last game against Oregon State, they were down 46-39 at halftime, and in the second half, they couldn’t bounce back. Austin Rapp put up 22 points and six rebounds. There were three different players that put up at least 10 points. Portland on the season is averaging 72.6 points while their defense is giving up 79 points per game. The offense is ranked 260th in the league while the defense is ranked 332nd. Forward Austin Rapp has been the top player for Portland averaging 14.4 points while shooting 44.7 percent from the field. Portland has a few players out for this game. Coleman Lemke has missed the last two games with injury and he’s questionable for this game. There are also three players that  have redshirted. 

Portland vs Gonzaga Prediction

Gonzaga’s offense is going to put on a show here. Portland’s defense has been a major problem and they are giving up 79 points per game. Gonzaga’s offense is going to put on a show here, and they are going to raise that number even higher. I don’t expect their defense is going to make many stops though, and this game is going to be a shootout. I would not be shocked if this game gets close to 200 points. Back the over. This is one of my favorite plays on the board.