Vanderbilt vs. Saint Mary’s 2025 March Madness First Round Best Bet

It was the same old story for Randy Bennett and Saint Mary’s this season as the Gaels enjoyed another solid campaign only to be derailed in the West Coast Championship by the bullies known as the Gonzaga Bulldogs.

Saint Mary’s drew the 7-seed in the East against No. 10 Vanderbilt up first for the Gaels, who oddsmakers are chalking in the 4-4½ range with 135½ for the scoreboard target.

Vandy Enters Dance on 3-Game Skid

It will have been three weeks since the Commodores last registered a win when they took the floor on Friday. Yeah, yeah, I know the SEC was a very powerful group this season and Vanderbilt can put some points on the board, blah-blah-blah.

But the Commodores really struggled down the stretch with eight defeats among their final dozen trips to the hardwood.

There’s not much history between the Commodores and Gaels, but what there is has taken place recently. Vanderbilt won the first three matchups from 2009-15, including a postseason clash at the 2015 NIT, and Saint Mary’s won and covered in Los Angeles at the Wooden Classic early in the 2022-23 campaign.

The Pick

This is a story of contrast, Vanderbilt playing more up-tempo while Saint Mary’s is comfortable in the half-court. The Gaels control the glass and the rhythm for a 71-64 decision.

NCAAB Pick: Saint Mary’s -4 (-110) at BetOnline

Saint Mary’s -4 (-110)

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