San Francisco vs. Santa Clara Odds
| San Francisco Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+2.5 -110 | 148.5 -110o / -110u | +130 |
| Santa Clara Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-2.5 -110 | 149.5 -110o / -110u | -156 |
It's the West Coast Conference after dark as the San Francisco Dons travel to face the Santa Clara Broncos. Each of these clubs has gotten off to solid starts, but this opening conference matchup presents a whole different set of challenges.
The Dons have many of the same characteristics as last year's team, which made them fan favorites in the WCC. It is no secret what this team plans to do when in possession, but the only question is if Santa Clara slow them down?
Speaking of Santa Clara, the Broncos have made some early waves out West as they have passed a few tough tests with flying colors. Their latest victory over the Boise State Broncos is a testament to their offensive prowess. However, it remains to be seen if they can get up for this matchup.
So, who will start their conference schedule on the right foot? Let's dive in to find out.
San Francisco Dons
When you look at this Dons team, it is clear who stands out. The backcourt duo of Khalil Shabazz and Tyrell Roberts have propelled San Francisco early on through their excellent play.
However, it's their style of play that makes this San Francisco team unique on the offensive end of the court. Combined, the two guards have already attempted 183 3-pointers this season.
While the two have combined to make 35 percent of those attempts, that level of volume has become a theme for the Dons. San Francisco enters this matchup fourth in terms of 3s attempted per field goals attempted (51.2%), and 3s have accounted for 41 percent of their points this season.
Perhaps the best part of all this for the Dons is that Santa Clara has been torched by the 3-ball thus far. The Broncos are 260th in 3-point percentage allowed, and nearly 37 percent of their points surrendered have come from beyond the arc.
If the 3s start to fall for San Francisco here, this one could get out of hand very fast.
Santa Clara Broncos
The Broncos' style of offense is not a complete contrast to that of the Dons, but they certainly don't want to trade 3s with them.
While the Broncos do have the ability to sink 3s, especially when their top-three scorers all shoot at least 34 percent from downtown, it may benefit them to work the ball inside.
Santa Clara has a significant size advantage over San Francisco in this one, and they'll have the opportunity to create high percentage looks. It's no secret the Dons have been punished in the paint as they've allowed opponents to shoot 62 percent on close twos, and that's accounted for 31 percent of the points they've allowed this season.
However, the Dons have one counter to their size disadvantage; they will have the biggest man on the court in their colors, Saba Gigiberia.
Gigiberia has not proven to be a prolific shot blocker but is the rim protector who could significantly impact this matchup. If he can challenge at the rim and the Dons continue to close out on 3s, don't be surprised to see some cold stretches from the Broncos in this one.
San Francisco vs. Santa Clara Betting Pick
This game has the potential to be the best matchup on the slate as these teams are very even and have the offensive prowess to make it very interesting. However, the edges in this matchup sway in one direction, and that is toward San Francisco.
The Dons are a deadly 3-point shooting team, and their sharpshooters should thrive in this matchup. On the other end of the floor, they've proven they can make life difficult for the Broncos' backcourt, but if shots get funneled into the paint, they have an answer.
Back the Dons to get the job done on the road.
Pick: San Francisco Moneyline +105 (play to +100) |
