Gonzaga v UCLA 11/23 Predictions/Thoughts/What Do You Hope To See?

[SwainZag]

This is displayed on the ParkMGM and Aria giant signs on the strip about every 2 minutes.

https://imgur.com/a/j7tWGxI

[scrooner]

Against Bellarmine their 5 starters combined for 35 points on 46 shots. Our guys combined for 73 points on 42 shots. UCLA has a high ceiling, but also a very low floor. They might keep it close, but they also might lose by 20.

[Psychozag]

GU-82
UCLA-79

[GrizZAG]

Zags 85
UCLA 76

[GonzagasaurusFlex]

Against Bellarmine their 5 starters combined for 35 points on 46 shots. Our guys combined for 73 points on 42 shots. UCLA has a high ceiling, but also a very low floor. They might keep it close, but they also might lose by 20.

Though Zags had the later game last night, they did a better job of taking care of business and resting key players:

Bruins starters played 18 minutes (Bernard), 25 minutes (Johnson, Juzang), 30 minutes (Campbell), 34 (Jaquez).
Zags starters played 15 minutes (Timmer, Nembhard) 17 minutes (Bolton), 20 (Holmgren) and 25 (Strawther).

Reddit has comments stating UCLA players were sick and that's why they struggled somewhat vs Bellarmine. No idea if that is true or not; if so, I'm guessing we will see high intensity early then Bruins fade as the game goes on....or not.

I have nothing to do here at work today but obsess about this game! Can't wait to get home and start my beverage thread postings....though I best delay that a bit lest I peak far too early for the late tipoff.

[daskim]

When was last time #1 played #2 and both teams from west coast?

Houston 71- UCLA 69 at the Astrodome January 20, 1968. Both undefeated. Called the "Game of the Century" and established college basketball as a sport commodity comes close.

Can't think of another true West Coast team though.

[jim77]

Remember when...we used to worry about what we had to do to win?


Now....its their problem..Zags 92 Bruins 78


https://youtu.be/TTA2buWlNyM

Enjoy

[LongIslandZagFan]

Houston 71- UCLA 69 at the Astrodome January 20, 1968. Both undefeated. Called the "Game of the Century" and established college basketball as a sport commodity comes close.

Can't think of another true West Coast team though.

Not sure you can call Houston West Coast.

[zagamatic]

When was last time #1 played #2 and both teams from west coast?

I posted this on page 2 of this thread. But, from what I heard during halftime of another game this weekend, they said this is the first time ever that a #1 vs #2 match up has had both teams from the west coast.

[Zagceo]

Houston 71- UCLA 69 at the Astrodome January 20, 1968. Both undefeated. Called the "Game of the Century" and established college basketball as a sport commodity comes close.

Can't think of another true West Coast team though.

First time ever. Just said it on ESPN.

43rd time AP 1 & 2 have met

[Stache]

Us 84
Them 79

[BayAreaZagFan]

I expect to see just enough out of UCLA to keep my obnoxious UCLA-fan friends chirping throughout most of the game. I hope to see no reason for UCLA to get any #1 votes next Monday.

Zags - 83
UCLA - 74

[daskim]

Not sure you can call Houston West Coast.

I agree you can't call Houston a West Coast team, although it is the geographically closest team to any matchup with a true WC team. That why I said I can't think of another true West Coast team other than the two playing tonight.

[23dpg]

Zags 88

Bruins 74

[upan8th]

Books' spread: UCLA +7 after opening at +4. Guess drubbing an opponent by 53 with your starters on the court for half the game tends to do that. Thing is, on paper, it should have been at least 8 from the get-go (see Caduceus' insightful stat post). Course, GU's starters could begin the game like USC last March, with four TO's on their first six possessions. They might start by missing 10 straight from three, convert two of 12 FTs & all four dunk attempts. Uh huh.

In truthiness, about a third of the Bruin's total points in the Final Four game were scored by the guy Kispert was trying to guard, & Corey's now taken those skills to another level. So, that's 15 or 20 points on the plus side even before the jump. Both Holmgren (and especially) Timme need to forget getting theirs & pass out of double teams to wide open team-mates cutting for layups, dunks, or standing, waiting to convert wide-open treys. Zags have the depth & skill to lockdown the J boys on D & then fast break the Uclans into exhausted oblivion. Will they do it, though? Maybe not. Nevertheless, even playing less than their best, GU's depth and unmatched inside scoring should cover the line & obliterate the total: 91-77.