Juan Pablo Aravena
Georgia State versus Gonzaga is the first game on tap for the start of the Western region of the 2022 Division I college basketball tournament. Gonzaga is and looks like the best team in the country, but they are not guaranteed a cake walk through the post-season. The Panthers are a tough opponent, and could exploit the weaknesses of the WCC conference titan. In this brief preview we bring you all the details, odds and predictions you need to make your bet with confidence.
Picks and Predictions for the Georgia State Panthers vs Gonzaga Bulldogs NCAA Basketball Championship Round 1 Game on March 17 2022
Where: Moda Center, Portland, OR
When: Thursday, March 17, 2022, 12 PM ET
Betting Line: Georgia State Panthers (+23.5) vs Gonzaga Bulldogs (-23.5)
Over/Under: 148
Georgia State Panthers Betting Preview
Overall Record: 18-10
Conference Record: 9-5
Odds to Win: (+23.5)
First of all, the Panthers are currently on an impressive winning streak, with 10 straight wins that helped turn their season around in resounding fashion. Beyond this moment that they are experiencing right now, they are going against one of the most consolidated teams they can face. Having better defensive than offensive numbers this season, offensive rebounding will be Georgia State’s biggest weapon. Against Gonzaga they average 13.3 per game (eighth-best mark in the NCAA). Eliel Nsoseme will be the defensive heart of the team (9.4 points, 9.8 rebounds and 1.5 blocks) while point guard Corey Allen will carry the most weight in the offense with his average of 14.7 points, and having scored a total of 58 points in the last two games they played. Despite a 23.5 point spread, a win over Gonzaga is not impossible, but an upset is unlikely this Thursday.
Gonzaga Bulldogs Betting Preview
Overall Record: 26-3
Conference Record: 13-1
Odds to Win: (-23.5)
Although they may not look as strong as they did in their 2021 campaign, Gonzaga remains the most dominant team in the NCAA by a sizable lead. Ranked first in points scored (87.8), third in rebounds (41.4) and fourth in assists (18.1) in all of Division I college basketball, it shouldn’t be a problem for Mark Few’s team to advance to the Second Round.
All eyes will be on freshman Chet Holmgren who is averaging 14.2 points, 9.6 rebounds and an absurd 3.6 blocks per game. Together with Drew Timme, they form the most dominant duo of insiders in the entire league and finish defining Gonzaga as the most prepared offensive team.
Prediction
Gonzaga will take the victory, but it will not be a walk in the park that Vegas predicts. The Bulldogs beat the Panthers 80-69.
