Washington State Cougars vs. Saint Mary’s Gaels Picks, Prediction, Odds, and Line Movement for Saturday, January 10, 2026
We have a WCC matchup on Saturday in this Washington State vs. Saint Mary’s prediction. Washington State travels South to California to face Saint Mary’s from tiny UCU Pavilion, which seats 3,500 people. The Cougars are 3-1 in the WCC and 8-9 overall, while Saint Mary’s is 4-0 in the league and 15-2 overall. These teams met twice last season with the Gaels winning both games SU but they were 1-1 ATS. These teams will meet on Saturday afternoon at 5 PM ET. Don’t miss more free college basketball predictions and NFL playoff picks at Winners and Whiners.
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Cougars win two straight and five of six
On January 4th, the Cougars beat former Pac-12 rival Oregon State 81-67 to complete a two-game home sweep of WCC teams. Aaron Glass led the Cougars with 16 points, but shot just 1-of-7 from beyond the arc. Washington State shot 48% from the field and 35% (9-of-26).
The Cougars are ranked 152nd overall on KenPom, 149th in Adjusted Offensive Efficiency and 170th in Adjusted Defense. Glass is the only Washington State player who is averaging in double figures with 15.5 points, while shooting 47% from the field and 35.8% from long range. Washington State ranks 50th in total rebounding percentage, which is important in this game considering the Gaels rank fifth.
On the injury front, Washington State guard Tomas Thrastarson is out with a foot injury, who was averaging 9.9 points per game and 4.5 rebounds. He has missed the last two games.
Gaels take care of business
Another year, another strong start for Saint Mary’s. Randy Bennett’s teams have won 25 or more games in four straight coming into this season and five of six with the Covid season of 2020-21 (14-10) slowing down that streak. The Gaels are another NCAA contender once again after winning six straight, with their only two losses coming against Vanderbilt (96-71) and Boise State (68-67).
Since the Boise State defeat, Saint Mary’s has won six straight games, including crushing Seattle at home 93-76 as an 11.5-point favorite on Jan. 4. The Gaels were down by five at the half against the Redhawks, but outscored them by 22 in the second half. led the Gaels with 30 points and 15 rebounds, while Dillan Shaw added 20 points, six assists and seven boards, while hitting 6 of 8 from three-point range.
Saint Mary’s is led by Murauskas, who averages 19.3 points and 7.7 rebounds. He’s 6-8, 235 and began his career at Arizona two seasons ago. Mikey Lewis adds 13.2 points and shoots 37.6% from beyond the arc.
The Gaels are not ranked in any top 25 poll. KenPom has them ranked 29th overall, 33rd in Adjusted Offense and 39th in Adjusted Defense.
Spread Pick and Prediction for Washington State vs. Saint Mary's
Washington State vs. Saint Mary's Prediction, Picks and Odds
- Washington State +15.5 (4 units)
Washington State is a limited offensive team, but that's fine against Saint Mary's. They don't mind playing a rock fight against another slow-paced team. The Cougars are playing their best basketball right now, winning five of six and they fit well in this conference. They also want to show they can play with an elite squad in Saint Mary's. The key is having the size to battle with the Gaels on the boards, and Washington State has that in ND Okafor (6-10, 250), who averages 9.9 ppg, 1.8 bpg, and 5.9 rpg, and Emmanuel Ugbo (6-8, 245), who averages 7.1 ppg and 3.8 rpg.
Totals Pick for Washington State vs. Saint Mary's
- Under 143.5 (5 units)
Take this as the higher pick. Saint Mary's is more of an offensive threat this season, but their pace is still at 293. Their defense is also insanely good at home, where they hold opponents to just 38.2% shooting from the field and 29.2% from long range. Washington State has gone under in seven of their last 10 games and in all five true road games.
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