A Deeper Look - WCC Hoops on Big Monday
by Strike Point Sports - 02/26/2007
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This West Coast Conference's spotlight continues on Big Monday tonight. Each week we'll see the ESPN network nationally televise a WCC game. This week ESPN2's late night game comes from the Big West, but we still have the lowdown on the WCC's top game tonight.
WCC Showcase
Gonzaga - 20-10 (14-14-1 ATS)
At
St. Mary's - 16-12 (13-9 ATS)
10 p.m. EST
From here on out, every game could be the difference for the Gonzaga Bulldogs to determine if they make the tournament or must settle for the NIT. Granted this school is no longer just a mid-major, however their tremendously difficult non-conference schedule this past fall could wind up being the reason for their disappointment.
The 'Zags take their 10-3 WCC record on the road to face San Diego. The Toreros have fared well at home, going 9-4 this year, however they have not beaten the league's best since 2003.
Gonzaga has covered its last three games and seven of its last 10. A loss here would certainly leave them out of the Big Dance -- for the time being -- and it's safe to say that they must win the final couple games of the regular season and at least get to the conference tournament final to get an automatic bid.
San Diego has not been able to find consistency over the past couple of weeks. They have won just four of their last 10 games, going 5-5 ATS during this stretch. However, the Toreros have gone 6-4 ATS in the last 10 meetings with Gonzaga.
The road Bulldogs are currently listed as three-point favorites. The total is set at 156. If Gonzaga is going to hold up and win like they are expected to, they will have to turn around their poor mark against the number on Big Mondays. The 'Zags have posted a horrendous 1-8-1 ATS record in their last 10 Monday games. Again Gonzaga will be without Josh Heytvelt, who remains suspended indefinitely.
Prediction: Gonzaga 71, San Diego 64
Big West ESPN2 Showcase
Long Beach State - 19-7 (12-9-1 ATS)
At
Pacific - 11-15 (10-13 ATS)
Midnight EST
Last year's Big West champ Pacific has struggled over the course of the season. They remain under .500 both in conference play, as well as overall at 11-15. Tonight they host the league's top team in Long Beach State. The 49ers have been an offensive juggernaut in Big West play, and their 80 points per game has them in first place at 9-2.
The Tigers have long dominated this series, winning eight of the last 10 meetings. However, the 49ers have covered two of the last three meetings, including a 28-point victory at home back in early February.
Long Beach State has taken eight of its last 10 games overall, including the last three road conference games. Pacific, however, has won the last five meetings in Stockton, four of those victories coming by double figures.
The home team has gone 6-2-2 ATS in the last 10 meetings, but Pacific must rebound from going just 2-6 ATS in their last eight home games. The 49ers have done well away from home. Their 7-5 road record has gone a long way to have them atop the conference, and they have also posted a 16-6 ATS mark in their last 22 road games.
The 49ers have been listed as one-point chalk away from home. The posted total for this match-up is listed at 155.
Prediction: Long Beach State 78, Pacific 73