Loyola Marymount Lions vs Gonzaga Bulldogs Picks and Predictions January 4th 2025

Loyola Marymount Lions vs Gonzaga Bulldogs January 4th 2025

Making on a bet on this NCAA game featuring the Bulldogs versus the Lions? Tip off is at at 9:00 ET, and you can watch it all unfold on ESPN+. The game will be played at Gersten Pavilion in Los Angeles, CA. In this West Coast matchup, Gonzaga is favored bt -15.5 vs. Loyola Marymount. The over/under for the game is 153.5 points.

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Bulldogs vs. Lions Key Information

• Sport: CBB
• Teams: Gonzaga Bulldogs at Loyola Marymount Lions
• Where: Los Angeles at Gersten Pavilion
• Date: Saturday, January 4th
• Betting Odds GNZG -15.5, GNZG -1269 | LOYMRY +735 O/U 153.5

The Bulldogs Can Win If…

Gonzaga Bulldogs Recent Game/Games

Gonzaga improved to 11-4 on the season with an 81-50 win over Portland on Thursday. The Bulldogs were heavy favorites at -34.5 but didn’t cover the spread. The game’s total points of 131 fell short of the O/U line of 158.5.

Gonzaga took control early, leading 35-17 at halftime. They scored 46 points in the 2nd half while allowing 33 to the Pilots.

Gonzaga put up 81 points in their latest game, shooting 42.6% from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was 50%, thanks in part to hitting 45.8% from beyond the arc, connecting on 11 of 24 three-point attempts.

Inside the arc, the Bulldogs shot just 40.9%, going 18 for 44 on two-point attempts. They also grabbed 15 offensive rebounds and dished out 20 assists. Nolan Hickman led the way with 13 points, hitting 3 of 5 from three-point range.

Gonzaga’s defense held their opponent to 50 points, despite allowing them to shoot 42% from the field on 29/68 shooting. Inside the arc, they limited their opponent to 40% shooting, with a 18/44 performance.

From three-point range, Gonzaga’s opponent shot 45%, making 11 of 24 attempts. They also went to the free-throw line 16 times, converting 12 for a 75% rate. Gonzaga gave up 15 offensive rebounds in the game.

• Through their last ten road games, Gonzaga has an ATS record of just 5-5. However, their overall record was 6-4 while averaging 79 points per game.
• Against the spread, the Bulldogs have put together of 0-5 in their last five games as the betting favorite. In these same games, they went 4-1 straight up.
• Over their last three games, the Bulldogs have an over/under record of 1-2 and are 0-3 vs. the spread.

The Lions Can Win If…

Loyola Marymount improved to 8-6 on the season with an 82-61 win over Oregon State on Thursday. The Lions, who were +3 underdogs, not only pulled off the upset but also covered the spread. The total points for the game were 143, surpassing the O/U line of 136.5.

LMU led 43-36 at halftime and clamped down defensively in the 2nd half, allowing just 25 points while scoring 39 of their own.

Loyola Marymount put up 82 points in their latest game, shooting 50.8% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 59.3%. They connected on 57.1% of their two-point attempts and 41.7% from beyond the arc, hitting 10 threes in total.

Jevon Porter led the way with 22 points and 13 rebounds, shooting 4-of-7 from three. Will Johnston and Michael Rataj each added 19 points, with Johnston dishing out 7 assists. The Lions finished with 20 assists as a team, grabbing 11 offensive rebounds.

Despite Loyola Marymount’s defensive struggles, allowing 61 points on 50% shooting, they managed to hold their opponent to just 61 points. The Lions gave up 20 two-pointers on 35 attempts, with their opponent shooting 57% from inside the arc.

From three-point range, Loyola Marymount’s defense allowed 10 threes on 24 attempts, with their opponent hitting 41% from deep. The Lions also sent their opponent to the free-throw line 19 times, where they converted 12 for 63%.

• Across their five previous home games, Loyola Marymount has an ATS mark of 2-3. Their straight up record in these matchups was 1-4 while averaging 63 points per game.
• In their last ten games as the betting underdog, the Lions have a straight up record of 3-7 and an ATS mark of 5-5.
• In their last three games, the Lions have an over/under record of 3-0 and are 3-0 vs. the spread.

The Lean

As the underdogs with a spread of +15.5, we recommend going with the Lions on the point spread. We not only see them covering the spread but also have a strong likelihood of winning this one outright, especially if you’re seeking a higher payout on the moneyline.

As for the total, the line is currently sitting at 153.5 and our model has the Bulldogs and Lions finishing with a combined 147 points. Our pick is to take the under.

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No. 19 Gonzaga on High Alert as They Face Loyola Marymount in WCC Showdown

Two seasons ago, Loyola Marymount pulled off a stunning upset against Gonzaga, ending the Bulldogs’ colossal 75-game homecourt winning streak. As they prepare to meet again in a high-stakes West Coast Conference clash on Saturday night in Los Angeles, the Lions are hoping to replicate that magic.

Historical Rivalry and the Stakes at Hand

The 2023 victory marked Loyola Marymount’s first win in Spokane since 1991 and is the only time in the last 29 meetings that the Lions defeated the Bulldogs. This history makes Saturday’s matchup more than just another game—it’s a chance for Loyola Marymount to prove they can go toe-to-toe with one of college basketball’s elite teams.

Loyola Marymount’s 1991 win was part of an era when the Lions were a force to be reckoned with. Their high-octane offense, led by Hank Gathers and Bo Kimble, delivered iconic moments like a 121-84 thrashing of Gonzaga during the 1990 WCC Tournament. However, that era was tragically marked by Gathers’ untimely death, an event that still resonates deeply in college basketball lore.

Since then, Gonzaga has established dominance, winning 32 of the last 34 encounters, including 12 straight on Loyola Marymount’s home court.

Team Profiles and Recent Form

Gonzaga Bulldogs (11-4, 2-0 WCC)

Coming off an 81-50 demolition of Portland on Thursday, Gonzaga looks to be in top form. The Bulldogs’ suffocating first-half defense held the Pilots scoreless for over 7.5 minutes during a decisive 20-0 run.

Key contributors for Gonzaga included:

• Nolan Hickman: Led the scoring with 13 points.
• Dusty Stromer: Recorded a season-high 12 points.
• Michael Ajayi: Dominated the boards with 15 rebounds, just two shy of his career best.

Ajayi’s resurgence was especially notable. After losing his starting spot due to inconsistent performances, he made a strong case for increased playing time. “Coach [Few] reminded me of who I am, and I’m focusing on being more aggressive and impactful,” Ajayi said.

Gonzaga coach Mark Few emphasized the importance of physicality and defensive alertness. “Portland’s unique actions required us to be competitive and sharp, and I thought we delivered,” Few said.

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Loyola Marymount Lions (9-6, 1-2 WCC)

Loyola Marymount enters the game on a high after dismantling Oregon State 82-61. The Lions showcased balanced scoring and dominant rebounding, led by:

• Jevon Porter: Recorded 22 points and a season-high 13 rebounds. Porter, the team’s leader in both scoring (13.9 PPG) and rebounding (8.0 RPG), will be a critical factor in Saturday’s game.

Coach Stan Johnson remains optimistic about his team’s growth. “Gonzaga is who they are—a great team. For us, the focus is on continuing to get better. Every game in this league is tough,” he said.

Key Matchups to Watch

1. Jevon Porter (LMU) vs. Gonzaga’s Frontcourt
   Porter’s ability to stretch the floor with his scoring and dominate the glass will test Gonzaga’s defense. Ajayi and Anton Watson will need to match Porter’s physicality to prevent second-chance opportunities.
2. Nolan Hickman (Gonzaga) vs. LMU’s Backcourt
   Hickman’s ability to control the tempo and create scoring opportunities could be a game-changer. Loyola Marymount’s guards must find ways to disrupt his rhythm.
3. Bench Contributions
   Gonzaga’s Dusty Stromer and LMU’s reserves will be critical in providing scoring bursts. The depth of each team could tip the balance in a tight game.

Keys to Victory

Gonzaga

• Defensive Intensity: A repeat of their dominant first-half defense against Portland will set the tone.
• Balanced Scoring: Contributions from Hickman, Stromer, and others will be crucial to prevent reliance on a single player.
• Rebounding Edge: Controlling the boards, as Ajayi demonstrated, will limit LMU’s second-chance points.

Loyola Marymount

• Efficient Shooting: LMU must capitalize on open looks, especially from three-point range, to keep pace with Gonzaga.
• Limiting Turnovers: The Lions cannot afford to give Gonzaga easy transition opportunities.
• Porter’s Impact: Jevon Porter will need another stellar performance to carry the Lions offensively.

Atmosphere at Hank’s House

Loyola Marymount’s home court, affectionately known as “Hank’s House,” will play a pivotal role. The intimate setting can create an electric atmosphere, giving the Lions an edge if the crowd gets involved early.

What’s at Stake?

For Gonzaga, this game is an opportunity to maintain their dominance and solidify their position in the WCC standings. For Loyola Marymount, a victory would serve as a program-defining moment, potentially shifting the power dynamic in the conference.

Prediction

Gonzaga’s depth and experience give them a clear advantage, but Loyola Marymount’s momentum and homecourt energy make this a game to watch. If Porter and the Lions can replicate their defensive tenacity from Thursday, an upset isn’t out of the question.

Conclusion

The Gonzaga-Loyola Marymount rivalry is steeped in history, and Saturday’s game promises to be another thrilling chapter. Whether it’s Gonzaga extending their dominance or Loyola Marymount shocking the basketball world again, this clash is sure to deliver high-stakes drama.