UConn vs. Gonzaga Prediction: Can Graham Ike, Bulldogs Upset Huskies in Friday Night Showdown?
The Gonzaga Bulldogs will host the defending national champion UConn Huskies on Friday night. Can Graham Ike take over for the Zags in this heavyweight showdown out west? Krabs provides his best bet in UConn vs. Gonzaga.
Krabs - December 15, 2023, 5:10 PM EST
5 minUConn vs. Gonzaga Prediction: Can Graham Ike, Bulldogs Upset Huskies in Friday Night Showdown?
With the majority of college students in the middle of final exams, exciting college basketball games have been tough to come by this week. Luckily, we’ve finally got a ranked matchup to sweat out on Friday night. Here’s my best bet for this elite late-night matchup between two of the best programs in the country, UConn vs Gonzaga…
UConn vs. Gonzaga Date, Time, and Where to Watch
- Date: December 15, 2023
- Game Time: 10:00 pm ET
- Where to Watch: ESPN2
UConn vs. Gonzaga Odds
- Spread: UConn -4.5 (-103), Gonzaga +4.5 (-115)
- Total Odds: O 153 (-110), U 153 (-108)
- Moneyline Odds: UConn (-180), Gonzaga (+155)
UConn vs. Gonzaga Prediction
People forget the Huskies defeated Gonzaga by nearly thirty points on their way to a National Championship last season. I’m sure Mark Few and the ‘Zags haven’t forgotten about it, though. Gonzaga will be out for blood in their home state, looking to hand the Huskies their second loss of the season.
Dan Hurley has done a great job of replacing many of his stars from last year’s Championship squad. Donovan Clingan has taken over for Adama Sanogo in the paint, and done a great job up to this point. With that being said, he is going to have his hands full on Friday night against veteran Graham Ike down low.
Speaking of Ike, the Wyoming transfer who is sneakily one of the best bigs in the country, he is currently leading the team in points per game. The ‘Zags have a plethora of bigs to throw at Clingan tonight, including Watson, the senior who plays much bigger than his 6’8” stature. Braden Huff, the 6’10" freshman phenom, has scored 12+ points in four of his last five games. Add 6’10” junior Ben Gregg into the mix and you’ve got one of the most formidable frontcourts in the country.
The Huskies are unsurprisingly a public favorite in this spot, but the spread has shrunk through the day. Gonzaga is the sharp side tonight, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they win this game outright. In a primetime game with all eyes on Climate Pledge Arena, this game could be tighter and lower-scoring than everyone is expecting. I’ll back the ‘Zags on the spread in what should be a one-possession game either way.
UConn Huskies vs. Gonzaga Bulldogs Pick
Pick: GONZ +4.5 (-115) Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
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