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Season Record: 277-202-6
3/30 Elite 8 Card:
Gonzaga 1H -5 / Gonzaga -8 / 1H u72 : This will be Gonzaga’s toughest test yet. Will it matter though? The simple answer is no. The Trojans have been very impressive this tournament, and have handled their opponents easily. However, there are shooting metrics in their favor, and against their opponents, that are due for regression tonight. USC was 268th in the country in three pointers made entering the tournament, and have shot 10-17 from distance in each of their last two games. That is simply not sustainable for a team who showed all season that they cannot get it done from the outside. Also, the Southern Cal defense is good.. maybe even elite.. but KU and Oregon shooting 29 and 37% from the field is still a trend that will not continue tonight. Beyond my predicted regressions, this Gonzaga team is one of the best teams we have seen in the college game. Maybe ever. It is ok to say that. They are undefeated, and have only won one game by single digits. They are the #1 team in America in adjusted offensive efficiency by a wide margin, and have a pesky defense that will continuously turn you over. With the Mobley’s clogging the paint, this will be a big game for Kispert, Ayayi and Suggs from deep. Don’t overthink this. Zags easy.
Score Prediction: Gonzaga 82 – Southern Cal 69 (1H: Gonzaga 38 – Southern Cal 30)
Michigan 1H -3.5 / Michigan -6 / u137 : This will be a slow and methodical beat down served up by Juwan Howard. He has certainly got the best from the Michigan bigs this season, and they will be put to great use tonight. UCLA is severely undersized without Jalen Hill, and this is going to be a longggg night for Cody Riley and Mac Etienne. Hunter Dickinson, Brandon Johns, Franz Wagner and Austin Davis will force Mick Cronin’s hand and pull him out if his beloved 4 guard lineup if he wants to keep this within single digits. That still may not be enough. The Wolverines should dominate the offensive glass and points in the paint by a wide, wide margin. Beyond that, Michigan has assisted on 60 of 83 made baskets in the tournament. This is an efficient offense that has seemingly survived the Livers absence. Lastly, the Michigan defense will be the difference maker in this game. They rank Top 50 nationally in adjusted efficiency, and put on a clinic last outing against an FSU team that many were picking to upset them. Both teams sit outside of the Top 250 in pace, so we should easily go under as well.
Score Prediction: Michigan 69 – UCLA 60 (1H: Michigan 34 – UCLA 27)
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