#23 Saint Mary's vs Loyola Marymount: Odds, Predictions & Key Insights | February 27, 2025

Saint Mary’s dominated LMU in their first matchup, and now the Lions get a shot at redemption. The problem? They are up against one of the best defenses in the country, and scoring will not come easy. Here is why LMU’s offense is in for a long night.

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#23 Saint Mary’s vs Loyola Marymount Odds

Can Saint Mary’s hold Loyola Marymount under 60 points again?

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SMC: -13.5 (-113)

LMU: +13.5 (-107)

Total

Over: 131.5 (-120)

Under: 131.5 (+100)

Moneyline

SMC: -1250

LMU: +775

#23 Saint Mary’s vs Loyola Best Bet

Late-Night Tuck-Me-In Sweat of the Day: No. 23 Saint Mary’s vs. Loyola Marymount—a rematch from January 7, when Saint Mary’s dominated LMU 81-56. Now, LMU gets a shot at revenge against one of the best teams in the conference, but will they be able to generate points against one of the best defenses in the country? I do not see it happening.

Lions’ Offense in WCC

LMU’s offense is one of the worst in the WCC. In conference play, they rank tenth in adjusted offensive efficiency, ninth in effective field goal percentage, dead last in offensive rebounding, and tenth in three-point shooting—all while being relatively reliant on the three-ball. The Lions have averaged just under 70 points per game this season, with 72.7 per game at home. In conference play, that number drops to 68.8. Their success largely comes in their home gym.

The Lions are coming off a 93-point performance against Pepperdine on Saturday—their highest-scoring game since November 4, when they dropped 99 on Life Pacific, a non-Division I school. Pepperdine does not have the worst defense in the conference, but they are far from the best. Now, this LMU team has to host one of the hottest teams in the country.

Gaels’ Defense

Saint Mary’s has been dominant defensively on the road, allowing just 60 points per game. In conference play, that number is even better—just 59.25 points per game. Since January 1, the Gaels have had the third-best defense in the country, excelling in free throw rate defense, rebounding, and defending both inside and out. This team is the complete defensive package.

With both teams playing at relatively slow paces, points should come at a premium. Saint Mary’s will especially look to slow this game to a crawl, making it even tougher for LMU to generate scoring opportunities. Since the start of the year, the Gaels are the fifth-slowest team in the country, while LMU plays at a tempo just over 100 spots faster.