FanDuel

4.5/5

Prediction: UCLA to cover

• Over/Under: Gonzaga vs UCLA (145.5.)
• Spread: UCLA -1.5
• Pick: Bet UCLA to cover the spread

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Gonzaga VS UCLA PREVIEW

The NCAA basketball tournament has begun and is now set with only 16 teams after starting with 68. This third-round matchup will take place in Sin City at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Two Western powerhouses clash with both teams having over 30 wins. Only one team will make it to the Elite 8.

In a basketball landscape where players move on from colleges often or try their luck early in the NBA draft, Senior forward Drew Timme has stayed the course and will possibly leave as the most accomplished Bulldog in their program’s history. He is one 20 point performance away from standing alone with the most times accomplishing the feat in the tourney’s storied history. He has accomplished a lot of superlatives, but one thing remains. A national championship.

It isn’t just Timme though looking to breakthrough with a ‘ship. Mark Few is widely regarded as one of the greatest coaches in America. He’s led the small program with an opportunity at a title but yet to win one. The Bulldogs score almost 90 points a game and need to do the same tonight. UCLA can play defense with anyone. Timme, Few and crew need to be on their A game tonight.

You already know the storied history of UCLA. Now meet the next version of that with, what I think, is the most underappreciated coach in college basketball. Mick Cronin left the University of Cincinnati and has quietly put together one of the best programs in the nation. His hard nosed defense has traveled from the Buckeye state to the West coast as well.

Drew Timme isn’t the only heralded senior in this matchup. Jaime Jaquez has been nothing short of brilliant this year as well. Averaging close to 20 points and 8 rebounds, the guard from Cali has helped lead the Bruins with another chance at an Elite 8 appearance. Through his play, the Bruins have a real shot at advancing towards a national title shot.

Head to Head

This is the first time these teams have met this year. Both teams score over 70 points with Gonzaga averaging high 80’s. The difference is the Bruins play great defense. Good offense wins games but as the saying goes good defense wins championships. Which one wins tonight?

Team Leaders

Our Betting Pick for Today

In this matchup, I’m taking the UCLA Bruins. I like the mix of having a star guard and tough defense. Mick Cronin is on the door step of winning a national championship. This year could be his year and that starts by making it to the Elite 8. Give me the Bruins to cover the 1.5

The over under is sitting at 145.5. I think the Bruins are going to come out on top so I’m taking the under for the Bruins to slow down the high scoring Bulldogs. It won’t be easy but I think the Bruins have it in them.