Portland Pilots vs Saint Mary's Gaels Picks Picks and Prediction for Friday, January 2, 2026

The Portland Pilots (7-8, 0-2 WCC) face the Saint Mary’s Gaels (13-2, 2-0 WCC) in a West Coast Conference matchup scheduled for 10:00 PM Eastern Time. The game takes place at the University Credit Union Pavilion. Portland enters after a home loss to Santa Clara, while Saint Mary’s last played on the road and handled Pepperdine. Both teams sit at very different points in the conference race heading into this matchup. Make sure to read this in-depth Portland Pilots vs Saint Mary’s Gaels prediction. Elevate your game with our expert NCAAB picks for Portland Pilots vs Saint Mary's Gaels Picks prediction and win big!

Portland Pilots Searching for Defensive Stability

The Portland Pilots are 7-8 overall and remain winless in West Coast Conference play at 0-2. Portland has dropped four of the last five games, including a 92-85 loss to Santa Clara in the most recent outing. In that game, Portland allowed Santa Clara to control long stretches offensively, continuing a trend that has hurt the Pilots during the current slide. Portland has allowed 81.6 points per game on the season, a number that continues to show up in losses against stronger opponents.

Offensively, Portland averages 80.6 points per game and shoots 49% from the field. Joel Foxwell leads the Pilots at 13.6 points per game and also tops the team with 7.5 assists per game. Foxwell logged heavy minutes and handled most of the playmaking against Santa Clara, but turnovers and defensive mistakes limited Portland’s ability to close the gap late. Cameron Williams leads the Pilots with 5.4 rebounds per game, though Portland has been outworked on the glass recently, averaging just 35.9 rebounds per game compared to opponents pulling down more second chances.

The recent stretch has exposed Portland’s weaknesses away from consistent defensive stops. Losses to Washington State, Oregon, and UC Santa Barbara all followed a similar script, with opponents pulling away by winning the rebounding battle and forcing Portland into rushed possessions. Portland does average 18.9 assists per game, but the Pilots struggle when forced into half-court sets against disciplined defenses.

Injuries:Portland will play without Carlin Briggs.

Saint Mary’s Gaels Controlling Games Through Defense and Rebounding

The Saint Mary’s Gaels enter with a 13-2 overall record and sit at 2-0 in conference play. Saint Mary’s is riding a four-game winning streak and most recently picked up a 72-45 road win over Pepperdine. That game showcased the Gaels’ strong defense, holding Pepperdine well below season scoring averages and controlling the pace from start to finish. Saint Mary’s has allowed just 63.6 points per game on the season, one of the strongest defensive marks in the nation.

Offensively, Saint Mary’s averages 78.5 points per game while shooting 47% from the field. Paulius Murauskas leads the Gaels with 18.3 points per game and continues to be the focal point of the offense. Andrew McKeever anchors the interior with 9.5 rebounds per game and adds a shot-blocking presence, recording 1.0 block per contest. Against Pepperdine, McKeever controlled the paint, limiting second-chance opportunities and setting the tone defensively.

Saint Mary’s also brings consistency in ball control, averaging 14.1 assists per game and limiting mistakes during winning stretches. Joshua Dent leads the Gaels with 4.7 assists per game and contributes defensively with 1.2 steals per game. Over the last five games, Saint Mary’s has held four opponents under 75 points, including wins over Loyola Marymount and Northern Iowa. That defensive pressure has translated into comfortable margins even when the offense does not push tempo.

At home, Saint Mary’s continues to play well, using rebounding and half-court execution. The Gaels average 40.0 rebounds per game, a clear edge over Portland’s season numbers. Saint Mary’s ability to slow the game down and force opponents into contested shots directly challenges a Portland offense that prefers ball movement and pace.

Injuries: Santa Clara will play without Kevin Gad

Portland Pilots vs Saint Mary's Gaels Picks Pick

Spread Pick for Portland Pilots vs Saint Mary's Gaels Picks

• Saint Mary’s Gaels (5 Units)

Saint Mary’s holds advantages in points allowed, rebounding, and recent form. The Gaels have allowed just 63.6 points per game and have held opponents under 75 points in four of the last five games. Portland has allowed at least 79 points in four of the last five contests and enters off another high-scoring loss. Saint Mary’s also owns a significant rebounding edge, averaging 40.0 boards per game compared to Portland’s 35.9. With Saint Mary’s controlling pace and limiting second chances, this matchup favors the Gaels to secure another conference win at home.

Over/Under Pick for Portland Pilots vs Saint Mary's Gaels Picks

• Under (4 Units)

Saint Mary’s defense is the driving force in this matchup. The Gaels give up 63.6 points per game and held Pepperdine to 45 points in the most recent outing. Portland averages 80.6 points per game but has struggled against structured defenses, scoring 62, 61, and 69 points in three of the last four losses. Saint Mary’s prefers a controlled tempo and leans on rebounding and shot selection rather than pushing the tempo. With Portland likely forced into half-court offense for long stretches, the overall scoring outlook points toward a lower total.