UCLA Bruins vs. Gonzaga Bulldogs Betting Preview
The 11-seed UCLA Bruins (22-9) try and continue their historic run against the top-seed Gonzaga Bulldogs (30-0) in the second game of the NCAA Tournament Final Four. UCLA successfully navigated the East Region, while the Bulldogs had no trouble getting through the West. The tipoff for Game 2 of the Final Four doubleheader is scheduled for 8:34 p.m. inside Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN. You can watch the game on CBS or the March Madness app on your mobile device. Gonzaga is a 14-point favorite against the Bruins, according to oddsmakers.
What to Know – UCLA Bruins
UCLA returns to the Final Four for the 19th time in program history and first since 2008. The Bruins entered the NCAA Tournament riding a four-game losing streak but have won five-straight to get here. This is the first time UCLA has taken down a number 1 and 2-seed in the same tournament.
The Bruins average 72.9 points per game, behind 45.8% shooting from the field and 36.9% shooting from deep. Johnny Juzang has been unguardable this tournament, scoring 21.6 points per game. UCLA’s defense holds teams to 67.6 points per game on 43.5% shooting from the floor and 33.7% from three.
UCLA controlled the clock and held Michigan to a season-low points total in its 51-49 victory in the Elite Eight. The Bruins forced 14 turnovers and held the Wolverines to 3-of-11 from beyond the arc. Juzang was a force on offense, scoring 28 points on 11-of-19 shooting.
The Bruins are 17-14 against the spread but 5-0 over their last five games. UCLA is 1-4 ATS in its previous five against Gonzaga and 5-4 ATS as an underdog.
What to Know – Gonzaga Bulldogs
The Bulldogs are two wins away from becoming the eighth team in NCAA history to finish undefeated through the regular season and tournament. The Zags are in the Final Four for the second time in school history, finishing as runners-up in 2017.
Gonzaga pours in 91.6 points per game and shoots 54.9% from the field and 37.1% from the arc. Four Zags average in double-figures, led by big man Drew Timme scoring 19.0 ppg. Defensively, Gonzaga surrenders 68.5 points per game and limit opponents to 41.6% shooting from the floor and 31.9% from the three-point line.
The Zags led from the opening tip to the conclusion of their Elite Eight game against the USC Trojans. Gonzaga took a 19-point lead into halftime and never wavered in the second half, leaving with an 85-66 victory. Timme poured in 23 points, while Corey Kispert and Jalen Suggs added 18 apiece.
Gonzaga has a 16-12-2 overall record ATS with a 5-1 mark in recent contests. The Bulldogs are 5-1 ATS over their last six games played on Saturday and as the favorite.
The Pick is In
Gonzaga looks like a high-powered machine with no signs of slowing down. UCLA has played toe-to-toe with potent offenses this tournament and will have to do so again if they want a chance in this one. The Bruins are peaking at the right time, but this a squad that dropped four-straight before the start of the tournament. Gonzaga is going to build a comfortable lead and put this one away with little sweat.
The Pick: Gonzaga Bulldogs -14
