Oral Roberts vs. Saint Mary's Odds
| Oral Roberts Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+9 -105 | 141 -110o / -110u | +370 |
| Saint Mary's Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-9 -115 | 141 -110o / -110u | -460 |
Monday night's opening slate is jam packed, with most of the games tipping off at 7 p.m. ET. But some of the best matchups of the day won't be starting until 10 p.m. ET, one of those being the must-watch duel between Oral Roberts and Saint Mary's.
Oral Roberts returns almost its entire lineup from one of the most effective offenses in the country a season ago. And in a true matchup of strength vs. strength, the Golden Eagles go up against a Saint Mary's team that finished the year 12th-nationally when it comes to Adjusted Defensive Efficiency.
These teams present complete opposite styles of play, and whichever can define the pace and control the flow of the game will likely come out ahead.
Defense has been an issue in the past for Oral Roberts, but it made an effort to fix that in the offseason.
Will it be enough to keep things close against the Gaels?
Oral Roberts Golden Eagles
The Golden Eagles could not be in a better position heading into this season. It's not often a two time All-American returns for another year of college basketball, but that's exactly what Oral Roberts has with Max Abmas, one of the best scorers in all of the country.
As a team, the Golden Eagles ranked fourth a season ago in points scored per game. They were also one of the fastest-paced teams, finishing the year ranked 36th in Adjusted Tempo.
I expect their fast pace and elite-level scoring to remain consistent this season.
On the defensive side of the ball, Oral Roberts had issues last year, ranking 290th in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency — per KenPom — while also finishing the year outside of the top 200 in both 2- and 3-point defense.
To improve on the defensive end, head coach Paul Mills brings in Patrick Mwamba from UT Arlington and Connor Vanover from Arkansas. Both are experienced players who will likely be in the starting lineup and can immediately make an impact on the defense end.
Saint Mary's Gaels
Four starters return for a Gaels team that is coming off of one of their most successful seasons in recent history.
Led by Logan Johnson and Alex Ducas, who both made Second Team All-WCC last season, the Gaels beat Gonzaga in the regular season to post an undefeated record at home. They also went on to make the second round of the NCAA tournament.
Saint Mary's brings in only five new players to the roster this year, all of which could immediately see minutes early in the season.
The most exciting addition is Aidan Mahaney, an incoming freshman who already has a crowded trophy case after winning Bay Area News Group Player of the Year, as well as being a MaxPreps All-State selection.
The Gaels will look to slow down Oral Roberts' pace as much as they can. Saint Mary's has finished outside the top 300 when it comes to Adjusted Tempo in each of the last three seasons.
And while they are known for their strengths defensively, don't overlook their potential on the offensive end.
The Gaels do lose two of their best scorers in Matthias Tass and Tommy Kuhse, but have some exciting players in their place. The most promising of the group being the newest wave of Australian prospects, Augustas Marciulionis and Mahaney.
Oral Roberts vs. Saint Mary's Betting Pick
There is no question that Abmas is one of the best scorers in the country, but Saint Mary's will in all likelihood be one of his toughest defensive challenges of the year.
The Gaels do have some things to figure out with the losses of Tass and Kuhse, but I don't think it will take them a long time to find their way.
The biggest factor for me in this game is the number — nine just feels too high for a team that not only returns 90% of its production from a season ago, but was also one of the most efficient offenses nationwide.
Yes, the Gaels will slow down the Golden Eagles, but I don't see them shutting them down completely. More importantly, I don't see them winning this game by double digits.
Back Oral Roberts at +9 or better.
