Grand Canyon vs Gonzaga picks see if Gonzaga learned any lessons from the past few seasons. So, the Gonzaga Bulldogs frightened wagerers last year in the tournament after buzzing through their regular season. This year started way differently. After three early season losses, Gonzaga only lost twice the rest of the way. That included nine straight wins, WCC revenge, and a demolition of St. Mary’s.
Grand Canyon vs Gonzaga picks are curious to see if Gonzaga can exorcise some demons on Friday night. The Gonzaga Bulldogs nearly won a national championship twice, utilizing a high-paced offense that can pile on points quickly. Unsurprisingly, the Bulldogs led the nation in scoring at 87.5 points per game this season. Unlike the past several campaigns, Gonzaga fell in the rankings and bounced back late.
So, the next stage is the familiar foe known as the NCAA Tournament. At the same time, the Bulldogs are a virtual lock to win their opening game on Friday night. The less certain parts involve covering spreads, scoring enough points, and maybe sneaking in a player prop. One of the later games on Friday means having a little fun and being different. Again, these wagers seek to bet the smallest amounts for a good reason.
Gonzaga won its fourth straight conference tournament and qualified for the “Big Dance” (24th straight time). Now, why is this year different? The Bulldogs contend in a loaded West region that features TCU, Kansas, and UCLA, among others. Too many years, Gonzaga ends up in a closer game than expected early in the tournament. This team looks to demolish that notion. Even as a 15.5-point favorite, Gonzaga is raring to go.
So, with Gonzaga yielding nearly 73 points a game this season, that may lure some into siding with Grand Canyon, plus the points on Friday. Instead, we dive the other way. BetOnline Vegas Online Sportsbook zags on Gonzaga, even laying 15.5 points.
Grand Canyon vs Gonzaga picks ask can the Bulldogs light up the Ball Center scoreboard. Now, the rarified air in Denver is about to see a bit of an offensive explosion. How much of that comes from who Gonzaga plays too? Grand Canyon feeds into the pace of Gonzaga well. Their coach is a familiar name. Google the name Bryce Drew some time. He is well known for a buzzer-beating shot in the madness a few decades ago.
Now, Drew leads a team that made the NCAA Tournament. The Antelopes show some speed and considerable resolve. This team finished sixth in the WAC and then won their conference tournament. Led by Rayshon Harrison, Harrison creates some matchup problems even for Gonzaga. However, the Bulldogs distribute the ball from several angles, which may be difficult for Grand Canyon to handle.
Can Gonzaga get off to a faster start on Friday? Even against St. Mary’s, it took a little while for the Bulldogs to start scoring. There must be a few backup options with a high overset at 155.5 that ranges as high as 157. While Grand Canyon will be coached fundamentally well, Gonzaga is peaking at the right time for this first-round matchup.
Finally, we snipe a few overs here for Friday night. Again, be aware of betting small to fight another day err night. First, the largest lead hitting 21 points or more at some point is +107, and the opening shot to hit is at +125. Those are our first shots to take here. After that, the team over 85.5 for Gonzaga at -115 becomes reasonable. Then, for a little icing on top, let us hop on the over for first-half points at 41.5 (-120) too.
The Grand Canyon vs Gonzaga picks seek to roll the bones. Yes, Gonzaga comes in all business and without the pressure of being one of the top two seeds in the West. Expectations are a hair lower for the Bulldogs too unless Clark Kellogg keeps taking. All joking aside, Gonzaga and Drew Timme have some balance and depth not seen in previous seasons. Julian Strawther keeps maturing, and he is only getting better.
Odds for March Madness Betting spawn so many possible scenarios. It boggles the mind how much money gets wagered on games like this. Now, this is the section where we roll the bones a bit. Teams like the Bulldogs surprisingly carry some player props, which could be enticing.
Alas, given how loaded this region is, taking early plays here is prudent. Again, no outrageous sums of money are bet. Julian Strawther and the over of 15.5 points (-110) is one player prop to take. Another is Drew Timme at an over of 20.5 points (-110).
Grand Canyon vs Gonzaga basks in the advantage of Betting Site Bonuses to go for a little luck on St. Patrick’s Day err, hope for more luck. Anyway, Gonzaga to win by 21 or more points is a bit risky at +120. However, if Gonzaga wins by 35, the wager still prevails. Finally, do not forget Julian Strawther, who may even score 20+ points.
Remember those prop builder choices on Bovada as game time approaches. Thanks for reading!
Chris Wassel is someone who has covered a little bit of everything: business, writing, sports, food, grilling, the Olympics, injuries, politics, and more. He has climbed mountains like Mount Washington and Mount San Jacinto in Palm Springs, California, and for those who don’t know, he is also big into food challenges. With friends like Joey Chestnut and Casey Webb, Chris has tackled eating feats like finishing a 16-pound turkey or a 32-inch meat lover's pizza. Since 2013, he has focused on fitness, fishing, and sports while managing to fit in running, hiking, rock climbing, and even the occasional mini-triathlon. He can lift more than his body weight with ease and is the person you turn to when you want to know if a NASCAR rain delay means a Monday race. Over his career, Chris has worked at places like Amazon, USA Today, and various rumors and fantasy sports sites. He has been nominated for awards such as the Fantasy Sports Writers Association's Hockey Writer of the Year and has a collection of high-stakes fantasy trophies and rings on display at home. With all this, Chris sums it up best with his motto: "Shut up and play."