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Washington State Cougars vs Santa Clara Broncos: Betting Preview and Prediction

On Thursday, January 23rd, the Washington State Cougars head to the Leavey Center to take on the Santa Clara Broncos in an exciting college basketball showdown. This article breaks down the matchup from a betting perspective, analyzing team form, player performances, and key trends to identify the best bets for the game. Let’s dive in!

Santa Clara Broncos: A Home Powerhouse

The Santa Clara Broncos boast a 13-7 record this season, standing third in the West Coast Conference. Fresh off a thrilling 103-99 victory over Gonzaga, the Broncos have shown their ability to compete with top-tier teams. Their home-court advantage has been a key factor in their success, as they hold a strong 7-2 record at the Leavey Center.

Offensive and Defensive Stats:

• Points Per Game (PPG): 80.7 (54th nationally)

• Points Allowed Per Game (PAPG): 74.8 (274th nationally)

• Field Goal Percentage (FG%): 46.2% (114th nationally)

• Three-Point Percentage (3P%): 35.1% (122nd nationally)

• Rebounds Per Game (RPG): 38.9 (53rd nationally)

Key Players:

• Adama Bal: Leading scorer with 14 PPG.

• Christoph Tilly: Contributing 13.2 PPG and 4.6 RPG.

The Broncos’ offensive firepower is their greatest strength, but their defense has been a concern, as they’ve struggled to contain opponents consistently.

Washington State Cougars: A Balanced Threat

The Washington State Cougars enter this matchup with an impressive 15-5 record, sitting in fifth place in the West Coast Conference. They’re coming off a dominant 92-70 victory over Portland, showcasing their offensive prowess. Although their road record sits at 3-2, the Cougars have demonstrated resilience against tough opponents.

Offensive and Defensive Stats:

• Points Per Game (PPG): 81.6 (40th nationally)

• Points Allowed Per Game (PAPG): 74.9 (281st nationally)

• Field Goal Percentage (FG%): 49.4% (13th nationally)

• Three-Point Percentage (3P%): 36% (73rd nationally)

• Rebounds Per Game (RPG): 36.7 (136th nationally)

Key Players:

• Nate Calmese: Team leader with 17.3 PPG, 3.4 RPG, and 4.7 APG.

• LeJuan Watts: Averages 13.8 PPG, 7.9 RPG, and 4 APG.

Washington State’s ability to shoot efficiently and their balanced offensive contributions make them a formidable opponent. However, their defense remains a weakness they’ll need to address.

Betting Trends to Watch

Santa Clara Broncos:

• Against the Spread (ATS): 9-11 this season.

• Over/Under Record: 11-9.

• Home-Court Advantage: 7-2 record at the Leavey Center.

• Recent Form: 1-3 ATS in their last 4 games.

Washington State Cougars:

• Against the Spread (ATS): 13-7 this season.

• Over/Under Record: 10-10.

• Road Record: 3-2.

• Recent Form: 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games.

Head-to-Head Trends:

• Santa Clara is 3-1 in their last 4 meetings against Washington State.

• The Broncos are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 matchups against the Cougars.

• The under has hit in the last 3 meetings, with the most recent game ending in a 69-61 Santa Clara victory.

Why Santa Clara Could Win

• Santa Clara has won their last nine home games following a road win, underlining their dominance at the Leavey Center.

• The Broncos have led at halftime in 8 of their last 10 home games against non-AP-ranked opponents.

Why Washington State Could Win

• Washington State has excelled against non-AP-ranked teams, winning 6 of their last 7 matchups.

• The Cougars have led at halftime in 16 of their last 20 games against non-AP-ranked opponents.

Game Prediction

In this Washington State Cougars vs Santa Clara Broncos matchup, oddsmakers have Santa Clara as slight favorites (-5). While both teams boast strong offenses, Washington State’s consistency in covering spreads makes them an appealing choice for bettors. The Broncos’ defensive vulnerabilities could play into the Cougars’ hands, especially with Nate Calmese’s scoring ability.

Prediction: Take Washington State Cougars +5 on the road.

Insights

What makes Washington State a strong pick against the spread?

Washington State’s efficiency in shooting (49.4% FG) and their 6-2 ATS record in recent games indicate their ability to compete even as underdogs.

How does Santa Clara perform at home?

Santa Clara has a 7-2 home record, showcasing their ability to leverage the Leavey Center’s energy. However, their 1-3 ATS record in their last 4 games raises concerns.

Which player matchup could define the game?

The battle between Nate Calmese (WSU) and Adama Bal (Santa Clara) will likely be pivotal, as both are the offensive leaders for their teams.

By combining statistical insights, betting trends, and key player analysis, this guide ensures you’re equipped to make informed bets for Thursday’s game. Whether you’re a casual fan or a seasoned bettor, the Washington State Cougars vs Santa Clara Broncos game promises to be an exciting clash.