Gonzaga vs. San Francisco Odds
| Gonzaga Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-10 -110 | 155.5 -110o / -110u | -575 |
| San Francisco Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+10 -110 | 155.5 -110o / -110u | +425 |
After flying out to a hot start in nonconference play, things have been less than ideal for the San Francisco Dons since WCC play began.
The Dons have now lost their first two conference games by more than 10 points to Santa Clara and San Diego. To make matters worse, things won't be getting any easier, especially on Thursday night as they host 27-time WCC regular-season champion Gonzaga.
Gonzaga may have dropped a few games already this year, but those came against top-25 teams in the nation. Conference play has always been a different story for Gonzaga, which is why it plays those top teams.
The Zags showed that hasn't changed one bit in their first WCC matchup last Saturday, scoring their highest total of the season against a Division I team, beating Pepperdine, 111-88.
San Francisco has been impressive, but does it have what it takes to even challenge this Gonzaga team that has been so dominant in conference play?
Gonzaga Bulldogs
It's Gonzaga, it's Player of the Year candidate Drew Timme — we all know who they are and what they do. But there are a few things they'll need to focus on if they want to remain dominant in the WCC.
San Francisco simply does not shoot the midrange; it's either going to pull up from 3 — which is most likely — or it's going to drive to the basket. I have no doubt Gonzaga will be aware of that, and the Bulldogs have been solid when it comes to defending the perimeter.
But they can't allow San Francisco to get open looks from three.
The Bulldogs also need a strong performance from Nolan Hickman, who has been up and down all season. Last time out, he gave up four turnovers and did not record a single point. He can't have that kind of performance against San Fran.
San Francisco Dons
The Dons offense is led by Khalil Shabazz, who averages 15.5 points per game and leads the team in assists (3.5) and steals (2.2). Not far behind him is standout Washington State transfer Tyrell Roberts, who is averaging 14.2 points per game but has just as many made 3s on the season as Shabazz.
Speaking of 3-pointers, nothing is more important to the Dons. San Francisco's offense lives and dies from 3, as it produces 40.4% of its points from deep. However, it hasn't been elite from deep, shooting just 33.3% from 3-point range. The Dons have been better of late, though, hitting 38.1% over their last five.
If San Francisco gets hot free from 3, it could absolutely challenge this Gonzaga team.
On the defensive side of the ball, San Francisco won't be able to do much when it comes to stopping the Zags around the rim. Gonzaga is going to crash the glass, and again, there isn't much the Dons can do to stop that.
However, their defense everywhere else will be even more important as a result.
The Dons are in the 94th percentile when it comes to 3-point percentage, holding teams to 28.4%. And they've been even better defending the midrange as well, keeping opposing teams to 21.1% over their last five.
Gonzaga vs. San Francisco Betting Pick
I doubted this San Fran team early in the season, and it proved me wrong multiple times.
I can see this game against Gonzaga going one of two ways: San Francisco is hitting from 3 and keeps it close, or it's not and Gonzaga lights it up. Regardless, I think these teams can combine for more than 157 points.
Gonzaga has surprisingly struggled when it comes to defending around the basket, and if San Francisco isn't hitting from 3, look for it to still produce close to the hoop.
Pick: Over 156.5 or Better |
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