St. Mary’s vs Loyola Marymount Prediction 12/28/2025 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The Saint Mary’s Gaels and the Loyola Marymount Lions will meet on Sunday evening in a West Coast Conference matchup at Gersten Pavilion in Los Angeles, California.

Saint Mary’s Gaels Betting Preview

The Saint Mary’s Gaels enter Sunday evening’s contest with an 11–2 overall record, including a 1–0 mark on the road. The Gaels have compiled wins over Northern Iowa, Ohio, Davidson, Arkansas State and the North Texas Mean Green, while dropping games to Boise State and the Vanderbilt Commodores. More recently, in the Saint Mary’s Gaels 63–58 victory over the Northern Iowa Panthers last week, forward Paulius Murauskas tallied 20 points, 7 rebounds and 1 steal illustrating his ability to provide the Gaels an interior presence.

The Saint Mary’s Gaels average 77.7 points per game on 45.3 percent shooting from the field and 34.3 percent shooting from three‑point range. On the defensive side of the basketball, the Gaels are allowing opponents just 66.2 points per game which ranks 28th in the nation.

Junior forward Paulius Murauskas leads the Saint Mary’s Gaels averaging 18.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal per contest. Sophomore forward Andrew McKeever contributes 9.3 points, 9.8 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.2 blocks per game providing the Gaels a presence in the paint. Sophomore guard Mikey Lewis averages 15.2 points and 3.4 rebounds per contest.

Loyola Marymount Lions Betting Preview

The Loyola Marymount Lions enter Sunday night’s contest with a 9–4 overall win-loss record, including a 4–3 record at home. The Lions have compiled 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. In the Loyola Marymount’s 70-58 victory over the Ohio Bobcats last month, Loyola Marymount forward Aaron McBride tallied 14 points (6 of 6 shooting from the field), 8 rebounds and 4 steals showcasing his ability to lead the Lions backcourt.  

The Loyola Marymount Lions average 74.3 points on 45.3 percent shooting from the field and 36.4 percent shooting from three‑point range per game. Defensively, the Lions are allowing opponents 67.1 points per game which ranks 40th in the country.

Senior guard Myron Amey Jr. leads the Loyola Marymount Lions averaging 15 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1 steal per game. Junior guard Rodney Brown Jr. adds 13.8 points, 2.5 rebounds, 2 assists and 0.5 steals per contest, while junior guard Jan Vide contributes 13.3 points and 5.8 assists per game. Sophomore forward Jalen Shelley provides a strong interior presence for the Lions averaging 10.9 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1 steal a contest.  

Why the Loyola Marymount Lions will win

•             Home court advantage. The Loyola Marymount Lions are 5–3 at Gersten Pavilion this season.

•             Star guard play. Myron Amey Jr. and Jan Vide combine for over 28 points per game.

•             Quality defense. The Lions allow just 67.1 points per game which ranks 40th in the nation.

Why the Saint Mary’s Gaels will win

•             Backcourt play. Sophomore guard Mikey Lewis averages 15.2 points and 3.4 rebounds per contest.

•             Elite defense. The Saint Mary’s Gaels allow opponents just 66.2 points per game which ranks 28th in the country.

Saint Mary’s vs. Loyola Marymount Prediction

This matchup features two teams that have superior defenses. Look for the Lions to lean on Myron Amey Jr.’s perimeter scoring and Jalen Shelley’s interior presence.  If the Saint Mary’s Gaels can maintain defensive discipline and execute in the half court, the Gaels should be able to create separation and secure a road victory. With that said, these two teams feature elite defenses that should keep this game under the number.

Hans Geevers's Pick: Under 138.5