The Saint Mary’s Gaels put their unblemished conference record on the line when they hit the road to face the San Francisco Dons tonight.
The Gaels have been a wagon in WCC play, covering nine of its last 10 games, including a 62-58 outright win over Gonzaga on Saturday. But our Saint Mary's vs. San Francisco predictions like the Dons to keep this game within the number.
Read on for our college basketball picks ahead of this 9 p.m. ET tip on Thursday, February 6.
Saint Mary’s vs San Francisco prediction
My best bet
San Francisco +6 (-110 at bet365)
My analysis
First, let’s talk about how great the Saint Mary’s Gaels have been. Randy Bennett’s squad has won 10 consecutive games, the fourth-longest streak in the country. They are in prime position to capture the regular-season title after toppling rival Gonzaga over the weekend.
They’re tied for the best rebounding percentage (57.5%) in the nation and play their typical stingy defense. Offensively, five players average at least 9.0 points per game, led by guard Augustas Marciulionis (13.4) and forward Paulius Murauskas (13.1).
So, why am I fading this seeming juggernaut today?
It’s a tough scheduling spot. The Gaels are coming off a huge win over Gonzaga and hit the road to play the team that jumped Gonzaga in the standings for second place, at least for now — the San Francisco Dons.
San Francisco is a tough out at home. The Dons are a perfect 14-0 at the Sobrato Center, winning four straight by double digits.
These teams met not long ago and Saint Mary’s ran away 71-51 at home on January 23. USF’s leading scorer, Malik Thomas (19.7 PPG), was limited to eight points on a grotesque 1-for-12 shooting night, including 0-for-5 from downtown.
It’s unlikely that Thomas will have such a catastrophic night again, especially at home this time around. This will be Saint Mary’s fifth road game in its last seven outings, and the Gaels are on the road again shortly after to face Oregon State in Corvallis on Saturday.
The Dons should be good enough to capitalize on this scheduling advantage. After such a strong run against the number lately (8-1 ATS in its last nine), Saint Mary’s probably isn’t catching any steep discounts in the market, so I’m opting for the other side.
Saint Mary’s vs San Francisco same-game parlay (SGP)
San Francisco +6.5
Over 131.5
These teams have tended to cash the Over when playing in San Francisco, going 4-0 O/U in the last four games of this series that USF has hosted.
The first meeting saw 132 points, narrowly coming in below the total of 134. San Francisco was just 14-for-52 from the field (27%) while Saint Mary’s made just a single 3-pointer on five attempts, and was 6-for-14 from the line.
It’s unlikely that USF will have a similarly disastrous offensive output at home, and Saint Mary’s shooting probably won't bottom out yet again. Even with both of those outcomes in the first matchup, it still would’ve been enough to creep Over the total of 131.5 established for the rematch.
These teams are 6-2 O/U in the last eight meetings overall.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Cash your ML bets quicker with bet365's early win payout
Take advantage of the early win payout at bet365, where any pre-game CBB moneyline bet gets paid out as a winner if your school goes up by 18+ points!
Learn more about this feature, and all of bet365's offerings, with our comprehensive bet365 review.
21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Saint Mary’s vs San Francisco odds
Saint Mary’s vs San Francisco live odds
Saint Mary’s vs San Francisco opening odds
- Spread: Saint Mary’s -6 (-110) | San Francisco +6 (-110)
- Moneyline: Saint Mary’s -275 | San Francisco +225
- Over/Under: Over 130.5 (-110) | Under 130.5 (-110)
Odds courtesy of bet365
Saint Mary’s vs San Francisco betting trend to know
San Francisco is 4-1 ATS in home games lined within single digits. Find more college basketball betting trends for Saint Mary’s vs. San Francisco.
How to watch Saint Mary’s vs San Francisco
| Location | The Sobrato Center, San Francisco, CA |
| Date | Thursday, 2-6-2025 |
| Tip-off | 9:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN2 |
Saint Mary’s vs San Francisco key injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
