Santa Clara -1.5, and why

[NJO]

A few reasons I like this one tonight:

1) Recent performance on the road: though 2-6 SU on the road, those 2 are SC's last 2 road games, wins by 9 at SD and 11 at Portland; I see SD as definitely better than St. Mary's and Portland as very comparable

2) Conference play is, overall, much better to Santa Clara, as they stand at 3-3 (after going 3-8 in non conf play), whereas St. Mary's has shown no life whatsoever, sitting at 0-6 in conference play, with the 3 home losses all by double digits (2 of them to competition not quite on par with SC, in my mind, in San Fran and Loyola Marymt)

Last 5 game stats also show SC's real improvement scoring and FG%, while St. Mary's has actually shown a slide in their stats since conference play.

3) Santa Clara has compiled a better record against a stronger schedule, and performance patterns say double digit win for Santa Clara tonight.

I'll call it Santa Clara 75, St. Mary's 65.

Good luck

 

[nighthorse]

You are right, two teams going in diffenent directions. St. Mary's is reverting back to their old form. SC's play against San Diego was impressive. Always leery of that small road favorite, but with such a small number, this looks like a winner.

 

[NJO]

agree on road faves

agree on road faves

but here, it just seems that Santa Clara is the way to go. St. Mary's hasn't shown any life at home to really scare me off here.

Go Broncos!

 

[saint]

nice call NJO squeaked it out.

 

[Red Raider]

Good Job!

A squeak Win sounds like cha-ching!!

 

[DoubleDown]

THanks NJO,

On a night where I couldn't find a solid play, I was convinced by your write-up, so I took Santa Clara for 2 units!! Thanks!!:toast:

 

[Box and one]

NJO,nice call.Saw your write up and went with it.Thanks

 

[aldabra]

good info....thanx...

good info....thanx...

 

[nighthorse]

trap

trap

Read a lot around here about this being a trap game. I hope it was!!!!!!!!! the book took the high hard one for a change. Another excellent play.