UCLA Leaned On To Defeat Gonzaga In Sweet 16

When Kansas fell in the second round to Arkansas, the Gonzaga-UCLA matchup became the must-see game. Actually, at Online Sports Betting, we are wrong. This clash was anticipated from the second it came out on "Selection Sunday." These two teams carry a potential to win the College Basketball National Championship. Let's head to Sin City in Las Vegas one more time.

At Online Sports Betting, we look at a matchup which could even go to overtime. So, first, we look at Gonzaga vs UCLA Picks featuring the UCLA Bruins. They rumble with the Gonzaga Bulldogs and Drew Timme.

WHAT: Gonzaga Bulldogs versus UCLA Bruins
WHEN: Thursday, March 23rd, 2023, 9:45 pm ET on CBS
WHERE: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada
WHY: Sweet 16 Clash - West Region

Naturally, Gonzaga vs UCLA Picks shine brightly on two teams that probably deserve to be in the Final Four. However, that is not how it always works in college basketball or life. One of the top NCAA College Men's basketball betting futures will get eliminated. After all, one team has to lose. UCLA comes in at +800 with Gonzaga at +1100. As always, the table is below.

March Madness Sweet 16 Numbers
Gonzaga	-110	-110	-110
UCLA (-2.0)	-110	-110	-110

Gonzaga vs UCLA Picks Cannot Get Enough Of This Matchup

Gonzaga vs UCLA Picks cannot get enough of this matchup. So, what makes a game between these two colleges must-watch television? Better yet, what makes it even greater for March Madness Betting? That answer is simple. This game has a little bit of everything from storylines to talent. Drew Timme's last potential game hangs in the balance along with the overall talent of Gonzaga. Combine that with UCLA's ability to defend the hoop and the contrast of styles is quite fascinating.

Thankfully, this game represents a true neutral-site game. Las Vegas is the backdrop for a game that may be one of the most heavily bet on in this entire tournament. Does Mark Few and Gonzaga find a way to get to one more Elite Eight or will Mick Cronin coach UCLA with a chance to advance to the Final Four on Saturday.

Yes, there's no better time to take this game on than now. Also, we take a look at both teams in a few different ways along with maybe a few possible props to consider.

Gonzaga Is The Underdog Here?

The Gonzaga vs UCLA Picks understand that Gonzaga is the underdog here. Alas, the Bulldogs are only getting two points. For a team that averages the most points in college basketball (87.3 points per game), that remains a bit of a surprise. Pace alone paints a story of a group that can pile up the offense. Gonzaga pulled away in Round One over Grand Canyon but had a harder time versus a pesky TCU team last weekend. They did average 83 points per contest though.

The other thing UCLA knows is that Gonzaga ranks high on other metrics too. That gets headlined by their SRS (Simple Rating System) number of 19.67. That ranks seventh in the nation currently among all college teams. Gonzaga knows they have been here before. The Bulldogs simply have to execute in the game's closing moments. Most any expert or fan believe this Sweet 16 matchup expects to have quite the ending.

Unfortunately, there are reasons to worry about Gonzaga. It is that idea the Bulldogs have been so close so often. How many times does it take for them to break through? Offense does win championships sometimes but usually defense proves the adage correctly. The 1-2 punch of Timme and Julian Strawther expects to test the UCLA front court plenty. This is not the team that lost three times early in the season to Texas, Baylor, and Purdue.

Gonzaga brings eight players from the Top 100 RSCI and that does not include Rasir Bolton. If there is one matchup which looms big in this game, it is Adem Bona versus Timme. Bona displays incredible reflexes and can probably even take on Strawther as well. Mark Few must hope Anton Watson can't take some of the load off Timme.

Gonzaga vs UCLA with UCLA Laying Two Points?

Gonzaga vs UCLA picks wonder about UCLA giving up two points. The fun here is that UCLA can score around 75 points per game. That is correct. Seven of their past ten contests have seen the Bruins play more offensively. Their adaptability remains vital. UCLA shuts teams down but they can also floor it on offense when needed.

UCLA knows they must stay out of foul trouble too. Gonzaga averages 20.8 free-throws per contest. The Bruins usually rank nowhere near that level. Their defense must be precise without committing too many fouls. Adem Bona must not get two fouls early or Timme and Strawther could have a much easier time in the paint. Tyger Campbell presents an interesting matchup problem as well. Campbell shoots a little streaky but his ball handling creates lanes for swing guard Jamie Jaquez.

Honestly, this game stays close throughout. The risk is hoping UCLA is up one possession late to maybe draw some cheap points from the line. It is the main reason why we believe the Bruins cover and win by 3-6 points on Thursday night.

UCLA Bruins To beat the Gonzaga Bulldogs by more than two points

-110

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Some Different Props To Consider

Lastly, Gonzaga vs UCLA Picks offer some different props to consider. This game expects to see the over move around. At 145.5, the under becomes more favored by 55% of the public. However, it is early. How about considering the following? Drew Timme scoring less than 19 points comes in at -115. Tyger Campbell at over 15.5 points is intriguing because he has shot just 2-for-16 so far in the tournament. Could he get hot at the right time?

Drew Timme To score less than 19 points

-115

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