
UCONN has been the most dominant team in this tournament, winning all their games by double digits.
Conversely, Gonzaga has had to be relentless and play through some lulls that almost knocked them out of this tournament.
Can Gonzaga impose their will on the Huskies’ skill?
One of the Huskies’ most significant issues is their mistakes. They’re 4-3 when they commit 16 or more turnovers, yet they got away with it against Arkansas because the game had already been decided, and it didn’t matter what happened in the end.
Gonzaga may be more well-known for its incredible offensive variety from all over the floor, but much of that success can be credited to an underappreciated defense. It appeared that Gonzaga sensed UCLA was fatigued in the second half and took advantage of it by scoring four goals in a row and getting control of the game.
There may not have been many Bruin turnovers, but Gonzaga capitalized on them by pulling down 50 rebounds for quick points on the other end. If UConn can start giving up the ball for some extended stretches, Gonzaga may take over the game.
UConn has no trouble scoring goals, and when they do so in the 80s, they usually come out unscathed. On the contrary, though, they have a record of 1-4 when giving up more than 76 points and 6-7 when conceding 67 or more points.
Points, points and more points.UConn may have just the right team to contend with Gonzaga in this matchup.
Not only did UCLA boast impressive size inside, but it also has impressive rebounding numbers on the boards, and it moves the ball around for easy points like no other team in America.
I said it before the Arkansas game, and it remains true – this might be the most complete team left in the tournament.
Gonzaga can hit from inside and outside, it can D up from three, and it loves to get up and running.
It has the firepower to match a Bulldog offense that’s likely to put up at least 80 points.
On Friday night, it scored 79 points against UCLA but will likely flirt with its 87-point average in what promises to be an exciting battle.
UConn will not budge. Their record stands at 16-0 when scoring 80 or more points.
These two teams have not played this season.
UCONN is the most complete team in this tournament, and so far, that has shown up in this tournament. The Huskies have no weakness, and they will prevail in this game.
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