Loyola Marymount vs Saint Mary's Picks and Prediction – 1/28/2024

A thrilling West Coast Conference face-off looms as the Loyola Marymount Lions, positioned fifth in the conference, travel to battle the first place Saint Mary's Gaels. The stage is set at the University Credit Union Pavilion, promising a riveting clash on January 27th at 10:00 PM ET. Slam dunk your bets with our College Basketball picks.

Loyola Marymount, with a 10-10 record, showcases a team that thrives on unpredictability. Recent victories over Portland and Pepperdine display a team finding its rhythm. Dominick Harris leads the scoring charge with an impressive 15.1 points per game, while Justice Hill orchestrates the offense, averaging 4.1 assists. This offensive prowess is complemented by Alex Merkviladze's strong presence on the boards, pulling down 6.5 rebounds per game. 

The Lions shoot a respectable 44.1% from the field and 35.7% from beyond the arc, indicating a team capable of scoring from multiple areas on the floor. However, the defense allowing an average of 69.5 points per game and a 43.3% shooting percentage to opponents indicates areas where the Gaels might exploit.

The Saint Mary's Gaels, standing proud at the top of the West Coast with a 15-6 record, bring a formidable mix of offensive finesse and defensive fortitude. Aidan Mahaney, leading with 14.7 points per game, is the key player for the offense, while Augustas Marciulionis’s playmaking abilities, evident in his 4.5 assists per game, are the spark that ignites the offense. 

Defensive prowess is striking, holding opponents to a mere 57.2 points per game and a 38.1% shooting percentage. This defensive mastery, combined with rebounding dominance led by Mitchell Saxen's 7.8 rebounds per game, positions them as a daunting challenge for any opponent. Offensively, 45.4% field goal shooting and 32.2% from three-point range reveal a balanced attack, although free-throw shooting at 67.8% could be a potential chink in the armor.