Saint Mary's vs. San Diego State Prediction: Can Aidan Mahaney, Gaels Get It Done?
The San Diego State Aztecs and the St. Mary’s Gaels face off on Friday night. Can Aidan Mahaney and the Gaels get it done tonight? NCAAB handicapper Krabs answers.
Krabs - November 17, 2023, 3:40 PM EST
5 minSaint Mary's vs. San Diego State Prediction: Can Aidan Mahaney, Gaels Get It Done?
It hasn’t been an ideal start to the season for the San Diego State Aztecs or the St. Mary’s Gaels. Both of these elite west-coast programs dropped a game in the first week of the season. Will the Aztecs bounce back with a much needed win, or will the Gaels get it done in Las Vegas as the betting favorite?
Saint Mary's vs. San Diego State Date, Time, and Where to Watch
- Date: November 17, 2023
- Game Time: 9:30 pm ET
- Where to Watch: ESPN+
Saint Mary's vs. San Diego State Prediction
The Aztecs went on a legacy run during March Madness earlier this year, making it all the way to the championship. Coach Dutcher deserves his flowers as one of the best mid-major coaches in the country, but he’s got his work cut out for him this season. San Diego State lost everyone for their historic run last year, and it’s shown early on this season. Dutch is still trying to figure out his rotations early on with three new starters in the lineup.
St. Mary’s is coming off one of their most embarrassing losses in recent history, losing to Weber State as 15.5-point favorites. That Weber State team is much better this year than the public gives them credit for, and I’m fully expecting a bounce-back performance from Aidan Mahaney and the Gaels against the rebuilding Aztecs.
San Diego State opened up a small favorite before sharps steamed the Gaels to -1.5 on most books. I love this line movement for St. Mary’s, especially with them coming off an embarrassing loss. It seems like the oddsmakers still believe in the Gaels, and that’s the side I want my money on.
The Aztecs are lacking a key component from last year’s successful run— they don’t have a big man. Nathan Mensah graduated, and San Diego State is rolling with Elijah Saunders and Jaedon LeDee in the paint. These two gentlemen are 6’8” and 6’9” on a good day, and although LeDee has been elite offensively, this frontcourt will struggle against a much bigger St. Mary’s team.
I don’t believe in this Aztecs team this early on in the season. Coach Dutcher still has a lot to figure out after losing three stars from last year’s championship run. Until the Aztecs put out a solid product on the court, or figure our their rebounding woes, continue to fade this team. They are a shell of themselves from last season’s majestic run.
Saint Mary's vs. San Diego State Pick
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