Portland vs Gonzaga Picks and Prediction – 1/3/2025

The Portland Pilots (5-10, 0-2 WCC) travel to Spokane to face the No. 19 Gonzaga Bulldogs (10-4, 1-0 WCC) in a West Coast Conference matchup. Portland enters on a two-game losing streak, falling to Oregon State 89-79 and Washington State 89-73, while Gonzaga is coming off an 89-82 win over Pepperdine. Slam dunk your bets with our College Basketball picks.

Portland’s offense is averaging 72.6 points per game, led by forward Austin Rapp, who scores 14.4 points per game on 44.7% shooting. Rapp also contributes 6.3 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game, making him the team’s most consistent performer. Guard Vukasin Masic leads with 3.4 assists per game, helping to distribute the ball in an offense that shoots 44.2% from the field. However, Portland’s defense has been a major concern, allowing 79.0 points per game. Rebounding is another weakness, as the Pilots average just 34.1 boards per contest.

On the defensive end, Portland struggles to contain opponents, evidenced by the lack of steals (4.9 per game) and blocks (3.4 per game). Guard Vincent Delano leads the team with 1.1 steals per game, but the Pilots have had issues stopping perimeter shooters and defending inside the paint. The inability to force turnovers limits transition opportunities, making it difficult to keep up against stronger offenses like Gonzaga’s.

Gonzaga boasts one of the nation’s most potent offenses, averaging 87.3 points per game while shooting 49.7% from the field. Forward Graham Ike is the Bulldogs’ top scorer, averaging 16.1 points and 6.9 rebounds per game. Point guard Ryan Nembhard orchestrates the offense with 9.5 assists per game, adding balance and creating high-percentage looks for teammates. Gonzaga also dominates the glass, pulling down 39.9 rebounds per game, often controlling possession and dictating tempo.

Defensively, the Bulldogs hold opponents to 70.0 points per game and excel in creating turnovers, averaging 7.4 steals per game. Nembhard leads in steals with 1.9 per game, while Braden Huff contributes as a shot-blocking presence inside. Although Gonzaga averages just 3.0 blocks per game, the ability to pressure passing lanes and limit open shots has proven effective. The defense will likely focus on limiting Portland’s key scorer, Austin Rapp, and forcing the Pilots into contested shots.

Gonzaga’s offensive strengths and defensive pressure give them a clear edge over Portland. The Bulldogs’ ability to score in bunches and control the boards will overwhelm the Pilots, who struggle defensively and have been inconsistent offensively. Expect Gonzaga to pull away early and maintain control throughout. Final Score Prediction: Gonzaga Bulldogs win 105-68.