Washington State vs San Francisco Prediction 3/9/25 College Basketball Picks

The Washington State Cougars are visiting the San Francisco Dons on Sunday, March 9th at the Orleans Arena, in this West Coast Conference Quarterfinal between the 4th seed and the 9th seed of the conference. The winner of this single-elimination game will face Gonzaga in the second semifinal on Monday. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s a Washington State Cougars vs San Francisco Dons Prediction.

San Francisco Dons Preview

The San Francisco Dons had a 23-8 record in the regular season and finished in 3rd place in the West Coast. The Dons are coming off a 75-95 loss to Gonzaga. The Dons are 15-14-1 against the spread, and 15-15 in over/under.

Offensively, San Francisco is averaging 75.6 points per game, which ranks 129th in the nation. Defensively, they allow 68.2 points per game (68th). The Dons shoot 45.8% from the field (123rd) and 33.8% from beyond the arc (202nd). The Dons shoot 70.6% from the free-throw line (239th) and are grabbing 34.8 rebounds per game (208th).

Malik Thomas leads San Francisco in scoring this season, with 19.1 points and 3.4 rebounds, while Marcus Williams adds 15.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, and a team-high 4.3 assists per game.

Washington State Cougars Preview

The Washington State Cougars finished the regular season with a 19-13 record and were placed 6th in the West Coast. The Cougars eliminated Loyola Marymount in the second round with a 94-77 score. The Cougars are 16-16 against the spread, and 17-15 in over/under.

Offensively, Washington State is averaging 78.9 points per game, which ranks 62nd in the nation. Defensively, they allow 78.1 points per game (327th). The Cougars shoot 49.1% from the field, which is the 14th-best in the nation, and 36.5% from beyond the arc (57th). The Cougars shoot 70.3% from the free-throw line (251st) and are grabbing 34.4 rebounds per game (227th).

Nate Calmese leads Washington State in scoring with an average of 15.2 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 4.2 assists, while LeJuan Watts adds 13.3 points and team-highs both in rebounding with 6.8 and in assists made with 4.4 per game.

Why the San Francisco Dons will win

• San Francisco has won each of its last six games at Orleans Arena against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• Washington State has lost three of its last four games against the West Coast Conference at neutral venues.
• San Francisco has won the first half in each of its last six games at Orleans Arena against non-AP-ranked opponents.

Why the Washington State Cougars will win

• Washington State has won five of its last six games played at neutral venues.
• San Francisco has lost three of its last four night games played at neutral venues.
• Washington State has won the first half in each of its last eight games against non-AP-ranked opponents at a neutral venue.

Total Points Facts

• Seventeen of San Francisco’s last 18 night games against non-AP-ranked opponents at a neutral venue have produced a total of 148 or fewer points.
• Each of Washington State’s last four games against Conference opponents has produced a total of 171+ points.

Matchup/League Facts

• San Francisco ranks 3rd among Division 1 teams for opponent three-point percentage this season (28.2%).
• San Francisco ranks 6th among Division 1 teams for opponent three-point field goals made per game this season (5.6).
• Washington State ranks 13th among Division 1 teams for effective field goal percentage this season (56.7%).
• Washington State ranks 14th among Division 1 teams for field goal percentage this season (49.1%).

Washington State Cougars vs San Francisco Dons Prediction

Both teams are tied 1-1 in wins this season, with each team winning at home. San Francisco won by 75-51 and Washington State by 91-82, with each winner covering the spread.

In this Washington State Cougars vs San Francisco Dons Prediction, San Francisco is coming as -3.5-point favorites. San Francisco is rightfully favored, as they have a better record this season, but they have just 5 wins on the road, while Washington State has 4. The Dons have been in great form lately, as they are 7-2 in their last 9 games and 6-2 against the spread in their last 8. The Cougars are coming off three consecutive wins, and are trending up in the perfect time, as they were 1-6 before that streak and 0-8 against the spread. Both teams have been playing some higher scoring games lately, as they are a perfect 6-0 to the over in their last 6 games combined, Washington State has been red-hot offensively, having scored 90+ points in their last 3 games. I expect a high-scoring affair, so take the over.  

Nikos Lagouretos's Pick: Over 148.5