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Gonzaga (24-2) vs Santa Clara (22-5)
- When: Feb 14 2026, 10:30 PM
- Where: Leavey Center, Santa Clara, CA, USA
- Where to watch: ESPN
(12) Gonzaga vs Santa Clara Preview & Prediction
Spread: Gonzaga -4.5
Moneyline: Gonzaga (-195)
Total: 159.0
Santa Clara Broncos Betting Preview
Santa Clara has turned this into a dream season. Nine straight wins, a spotless home record, and first place within reach. That is not hype, that is results. The Broncos sit a half game clear in the conference and they have made their home floor a problem for everyone who walks in.
Offensively, this team has balance and pace. They can stretch the floor with perimeter shooting and they are comfortable pushing tempo. Freshman guard Sash Gavalyugov flashed his upside recently, and when he spaces the floor, Santa Clara becomes difficult to guard for a full 40 minutes.
The first meeting in Spokane told us something important. The game was tight early before Gonzaga pulled away with interior dominance. If Santa Clara wants to flip the script, the key is defensive rebounding and limiting second chance points. They cannot afford to let Gonzaga control the paint again.
From a betting standpoint, catching 4.5 at home with a team that is 13-0 in its own building is attractive. Santa Clara has shown composure in close games and has enough offensive punch to trade buckets in a high total matchup.
Gonzaga Bulldogs Betting Preview
Gonzaga is still the standard in this rivalry. The Bulldogs have owned this series historically, and they bring elite efficiency into this showdown. They have the best interior weapon on the floor in Graham Ike, who has been on a heater. When he establishes position, he forces double teams and opens up clean perimeter looks.
Gonzaga also defends at a high level, particularly in transition. They slowed Santa Clara’s rhythm in the first matchup and turned it into a physical contest. That formula works again if they control tempo and rebound consistently.
The total at 159 suggests a fast paced contest, and Gonzaga is comfortable playing in the 80s. Their offensive execution late in games often separates them in tight conference battles.
Final Score & Expert Prediction
This is a heavyweight fight for conference control. Santa Clara has momentum and home court. Gonzaga has experience, size, and proven closing ability.
The number is short for a reason. Expect a back and forth battle into the final minutes. Gonzaga’s interior edge and execution should carry them through in crunch time, but Santa Clara’s home strength keeps it tight.
Final Score: Gonzaga 85, Santa Clara 79
Lean: Gonzaga -4.5
Total: Over 159.0
- NCAAB Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
