NCAAB: #23 Gonzaga vs San Francisco Odds, and Picks (Feb 29)
- Gonzaga improved to 11-1 over their last 12 games, after beating Santa Clara.
- San Francisco surged past Pepperdine, winning 92-68, and climbing to 22-7.
- These two teams last faced off on January 25, in a game that Gonzaga won 77-72.
Selection Sunday is just a few weeks away! Let’s look at the upcoming matchup between the Gonzaga Bulldogs and the San Francisco Dons. Both of these teams are on the tournament bubble, needing a win.
How to Watch
- ESPN2
Preview
Gonzaga continues to improve their NCAA Tournament chances, having now won 11 of their last 12 games. Despite their 22-6 record and #23 ranking, the Bulldogs are still not a lock to make the tourney. They lack Quadrant 1 wins, with few opportunities to gain them during conference play. That being said, I see Gonzaga projected closer to a 9-seed than on the bubble. A win here would certainly help their chances.
San Francisco remains outside of the projected tournament field, but has gone 14-3 over their last 17 games, with the only losses coming to St. Mary’s and Gonzaga. A win here against the Zags could open up the conversation for the Dons as a potential at-large bid. Unfortunately, they’ve played 20 of 28 games against Quads 3 and 4, making that a very small chance. Winning the WCC tournament is a different story.
Prediction
With the departure of BYU, the WCC took a major step back in strength this season. That has made it difficult for the conference’s 2nd and 3rd placed teams to build up a strong strength of schedule. That being said, they’ll get one of those rare opportunities against each other in a crucial game on Thursday. After winning the first matchup at home, Gonzaga will face a tougher task here, but I see them winning it.
NCAAB Picks:
- Gonzaga 77, San Francisco 76 (ZAGA +2.5)
