Boise State brings a nine-game win streak to California on Thursday afternoon as the Broncos take on Santa Clara. Backing the Broncos has been a profitable endeavor over the last couple weeks as Boise State has covered the spread in seven of its last eight games, including each of the last four.
Sportsmemo college basketball handicapper JM Sports offers his thoughts on the clash of the Broncos and quality college basketball insights.
Santa Clara brings its own three-game win streak into this contest, but the betting side has been a much different story. The (other) Broncos have failed to cover the spread in five of their last six games, and Boise State represents the toughest challenge that Santa Clara has seen thus far this season.
Boise State is No. 12 in adjusted defensive efficiency, as the Broncos do a great job of defending both the interior and three-point line. Opponents are shooting below 26-percent from beyond-the-arc (No. 5 in the country) and just 42.6-percent from two-point range (No. 18). The Broncos’ effective field goal percentage allowed is No. 4 in the nation, and they have held each of their last four opponents below 36-percent shooting.
The blue-and-orange captured last year’s meeting 72-60, covering the 7.5-point spread. Keep an eye on the status of Marcus Shaver, who is listed as questionable for Boise State tonight. Shaver is the lynchpin to the Broncos’ chemistry, scoring 14.8 points while grabbing 7.4 rebounds per game.
Santa Clara has a few injury concerns of its own. Carlos Marshall has only played three games this season and his availability is in doubt. Jake Ensminger and Giordan Williams have both been out of the lineup for the last four weeks.
This game will likely be decided on the defensive end, and in my opinion, Boise State has the definitive advantage. The Broncos have covered 15 of their last 19 road games against teams with a winning record. Keep an eye on Shaver’s status. If he is good-to-go, lay the small number with Boise State on the road at Santa Clara.