Utah Utes vs. Saint Mary's Gaels 11-27-23 NCAA Men's Basketball Analysis, Best Picks, and Odds

Utah Utes vs. Saint Mary’s Gaels 11/27/23 – As NCAA basketball season kicks into high gear, an exciting matchup awaits fans and bettors alike: Utah Utes take on Saint Mary’s Gaels (3-3). Not only is this contest an exercise in skill for bettors savvy enough to use NCAAB free picks effectively – Gabe Madsen of Utah Utes should pay particular attention as Aidan Mahaney from Saint Mary’s Gaels is capable of dramatically altering its outcome!

Utah Utes vs. Saint Mary’s Gaels

Date & Time: Monday, November 27, 2023, at 11:00 PM ET

Location: University Credit Union Pavilion

TV:

Utah Utes vs. Saint Mary’s Gaels Betting Odds

TeamMoneylineSpreadTotal
Utah+136+3.5 (-115)134.5 Over -110
Saint Mary’s-164-3.5 (-105)134.5 Under -110

Utah Utes Analysis

Utah Utes have shown impressive offensive play this season with their impressive 3-2 record and impressive scoring ability of 81.6 points per game on average, thanks to efficient field goal shooting at 46.9% efficiency. Their offensive strength is further amplified by their success from beyond the arc, where they boast a 38.8% success rate with 3-pointers, showing off not only their shooting prowess, but also the team’s ability to identify scoring opportunities and capitalize on them. Team Canada’s offensive strategy, marked by balanced attacks and effective ball movement, can be seen through their 18.4 assists per game – evidence that shows they work cohesively as one unit to create scoring chances for themselves and one another.

However, Utah’s defense presents an entirely different picture. While their steals (7 per game) and blocks (3.6 per game) are commendable, their inability to consistently block opponents’ scoring drives remains worrying given they face off against an opponent like Gaels who are known to capitalize on home court advantages. Furthermore, Utes players often turn over the ball 12.8 times per game which could prove costly in close games; their defensive strategy must focus on limiting open looks from opponents while improving rebounding on defense so as to limit second chance points and turnover rate as soon as possible in close games.

Saint Mary’s Gaels Analysis

Saint Mary’s Gaels provide an intriguing alternative to Utah Utes. Boasting an intriguing 3-3 record and boasting an average offense output of 71.3 points per game – although lower than Utah’s output – their performance highlights efficiency when selecting shots and managing game pace. Their field goal percentage stands at 42.4%; though not exceptional, this indicates a team which prioritizes high-percentage shots. Utah may boast the higher three-point shooting percentage (30.8%), but Boston College’s (30.8%) has demonstrated their ability to hit key shots when needed and take calculated risks while making use of each possession as evidenced by their lower turnover rate (11.5 per game) than Utah.

Defensively, the Gaels display more cohesive team play than the Utes. An average of 5.3 blocks and 5.7 steals per game indicates they take proactive steps against opposing offensive plays while their rebounding efforts showcase another key facet of their defensive prowess. At 44.5 rebounds per game and with an outstanding offensive rebound presence (16.7 offensive rebounds per game), they excel at creating second-chance opportunities while denying those same chances to their opponents. Rebounding will play an integral part of their matchup against Utah, particularly in controlling the pace and flow of the game. The Gaels possess strong defensive presence with efficient offensive capabilities which makes them formidable opponents on home ground, where they boast an outstanding record.

Utah Utes vs. Saint Mary’s Gaels Against the Spread

Utah’s betting trends indicate some alarm, including their 4-10-1 mark against the spread in their last 15 games and their two-eighth record against West Coast conference opponents over that span (ATS 2-8 in 10 of these matches). Yet their strong record against those opponents during November games (14-5) and Mondays (5-1) offers hope of improvement.

Saint Mary’s has fared slightly better against the spread, yet not by much. Their impressive home court advantage as well as overperformance against Pac-12 opponents has contributed significantly. November ATS records are however less impressive at 2- 5.

Utah Utes vs. Saint Mary’s Gaels Free Pick

Based on odds, trends, team stats, and key players, here are the picks:

Moneyline: Saint Mary’s Gaels (-164). The Gaels’ impressive home record and Utah’s struggle against West Coast conference teams make Saint Mary’s the safer bet.

Spread: Utah Utes +3.5 (-115). Despite Utah’s overall ATS struggles, the close spread indicates a potentially tight game, and Utah could cover.

Total: Under 134.5 (-110). Both teams have shown tendencies for games to go under, especially Utah on the road.

Predicted Score: Saint Mary’s Gaels 68, Utah Utes 65

Final Thoughts: Betttors looking for opportunities on an online sportsbook in Canada tend to favor betting against the spread. Given both teams’ performances and trends, taking Utah with points offers value in what should be an exciting contest.