Game Details:
- Date & Time: Friday, March 21, 2025, at 3:15 p.m. ET
- Location: Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Cleveland, Ohio
- Broadcast: truTV
- Betting Odds:
- Point Spread: Saint Mary’s -4.5
- Moneyline: Saint Mary’s -185 | Vanderbilt +155
- Over/Under: 136.5 points
- BPI Projection: Saint Mary’s 65.8% chance to win (ESPN)
Saint Mary’s Gaels Overview (28-5, 17-1 WCC)
Saint Mary’s returns to the tournament as one of the most disciplined and defensively sound teams in the nation. Their methodical approach slows down games, frustrating opponents.
Team Stats:
- Offense: 73.5 PPG – Efficient shot selection, ball movement focused.
- Defense: 60.7 PPG allowed – Elite half-court defense.
- Rebounding: 6th nationally, dominating the glass.
Key Player:
- Augustas Marčiulionis (14.3 PPG, 6.1 APG): Floor general who controls pace and limits turnovers.
Vanderbilt Commodores Overview (20-12, 8-10 SEC)
Vandy is a dangerous No. 10 seed, thriving on offense but struggling defensively.
Team Stats:
- Offense: 79.6 PPG – High-tempo, dangerous from deep.
- Defense: 74.8 PPG allowed – Vulnerable against disciplined offenses.
Key Player:
- Jason Edwards (17.0 PPG): Sharp shooter and leader of Vanderbilt’s attack.
Key Matchups to Watch:
- Pace Battle:
Saint Mary’s will aim to grind out possessions, while Vanderbilt will look to speed things up. The winner of this battle likely controls the outcome. - Three-Point Line:
Vandy relies heavily on the three-ball. Saint Mary’s perimeter defense will need to stay sharp. - Rebounding Edge:
The Gaels rank 6th nationally in rebounding, a potential key factor to limit Vanderbilt’s second chances.
Betting Angles & Trends:
- Against the Spread (ATS):
- Saint Mary’s: 18-14 ATS
- Vanderbilt: 16-15 ATS
- Over/Under Trends:
- Saint Mary’s: 15 overs, 17 unders (low-scoring tendencies)
- Vanderbilt: 19 overs, 12 unders (higher-scoring tendencies)
With the total set at 136.5, bettors should consider whether Vandy can force an up-tempo game or if Saint Mary’s dictates a slower pace.
Expert Predictions & Best Bets:
🔥 Best Bet: Saint Mary’s -4.5 (-110)
💰 Lean: Under 136.5 (-110)
🎯 Prop Bet: Augustas Marčiulionis Over 15.5 Points
Final Thoughts: Saint Mary’s Gaels vs. Vanderbilt Commodores Preview
This matchup is a true clash of styles: the slow, methodical Saint Mary’s vs. Vanderbilt’s run-and-gun offense. Expect the Gaels’ defense, rebounding, and disciplined play to prevail, especially if they control the tempo. Vanderbilt’s only shot lies in catching fire from three – easier said than done against this defense.
