5* West Coast Conference Blue Chip Game of the Month

Gonzaga vs. St. Mary's, 03/05/2012 21:00 EDT, Score: 74 - 78

Point Spread: -2½/-102 Gonzaga

Sportsbook: 5Dimes

Result: Loss

These two teams split their two games in the regular season, with each team winning easily on their home floor. St Mary's won the first game 83-62 at home, but Gonzaga answered back with a 73-59 win. Now they meet once again in the WCC Tournament Championship. I really like the Bulldogs to win this game and easily cover the 2.5-point spread.

The big difference in this game is the injury to Saint Mary's Stephen Holt, who sprained his knee in the Gaels win over Loyola-Marymount on Feb. 15. Holt was expected to miss 2-6 weeks, but is listed as questionable in this game. He third on the team at 10.7 ppg and also added 4.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.8 steals a game. Even if he is able to play, he isn't going to be a 100%. However, I have a hard time believing the Gaels will play him even if he thinks he can go. They don't need to win this game to get into the NCAA Tournament. There is no reason to risk losing Holt for when it really matters.

Gonzaga is 18-8 ATS versus poor pressure defensive teams - forcing