NCAA Sweet Sixteen Gonzaga vs UCLA, Tips and Predictions 03/23/23

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Prediction: Bet Gonzaga to cover

• Over/Under Gonzaga vs UCLA (145)
• Spread: UCLA -2
• Pick: Bet Gonzaga to cover

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This promises to be the best matchup of the Sweet 16 as Drew Timme leads Gonzaga in the quest to give Mark Few his first National Championship. UCLA and Mick Cronin have overcome injuries to get this far and they seem to leap every obstacle placed in front of them, can that continue?

Simply stated, UCLA is fantastic.

Tyger Campbell has seen it all and knows how to efficiently and effectively quarterback his offense, while Jamie Jaquez always scores at least 20 points every time out. Plus, there’s enough depth up front for them to get physical on the boards as well.

The team is simply exceptional.

It has managed to rebound from poor shooting days on the road, weather some offensive assaults and still maintain defensive stability despite not having help from its bench.

They won’t keep the Zags to the 60 points it allows per game, but at least they won’t turn the ball over and allow easy baskets or get hit with a flood of fouls.

No, they may not be the most energetic team around, but when the chances present themselves, fast break points will surely follow.

Gonzaga may not be the same team of years past, but it still scores plenty of points and remains dangerous when on-offense. Plus, Gonzaga still manages to come up with big scoring bursts when needed…

This program knows how to navigate its way through tough moments with grace and determination.

UCLA boasts a formidable defense and, when healthy, one of the top five starting lineups left in this tournament; however, Gonzaga boasts superior depth and shooting prowess that could completely shift the narrative.

Northwestern lacked the offensive firepower or versatility to break through the Bruin defense – Gonzaga does. In their thrilling 84-81 win against TCU, Gonzaga hit from inside and outside – then when it mattered most, hit from the free throw line for an epic victory.

UCLA doesn’t do much from three – they make them, but don’t take them – so the Bulldogs could have a tough time inside against Gonzaga’s size and versatility. Gonzaga can mash if needed, get on the run quickly, and stay competitive in any sort of back-and-forth battle.

These two teams have not played this season.

No, we won’t get quite the same adrenaline rush of Jalen Suggs’ half-court shot as in 2021’s Final Four, but this could still turn out to be one of the best games of the tournament.

Does UCLA Have the depth to win this game?

Although their lineup is currently quite injured, David Singleton is expected to give it his best effort on his injured ankle and the team is beginning to find more meaningful minutes for parts of at least going seven deep.

UCLA has a major issue. To stay competitive, they need to keep the score low and avoid getting into a physical battle – something which doesn’t happen against Gonzaga.

The Bruin offense has the ability to keep up with Gonzaga’s offense, but they have a record of 0-3 when allowing more than 73 points. That is especially troubling given Gonzaga’s leading scoring attack has only reached 73 points four times this season.

But there’s also a flip side to that coin.

Gonzaga has a record of 2-5 when it doesn’t score at least 75 points and 28-0 when they do.

Tip:

Gonzaga to cover

Best Odd

+2

Brand

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