No. 14 Gonzaga vs. No. 22 UCLA highlights our faculty basketball finest bets in a big-time top-25 matchup.
It’s a Saturday showdown, a matinee that carries the burden of custom and the fun of the current. Mark Few’s Gonzaga Bulldogs, ranked No. 14, face Mick Cronin’s No. 22 UCLA Bruins in a conflict of West Coast blue bloods.
Set in opposition to the backdrop of the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, this top-25 matchup guarantees the type of depth that defines faculty basketball. It’s a gathering of two storied packages, every in search of to cement their early-season credentials. Tip-off is scheduled for 4 p.m. ET on FOX. Inglewood would be the stage, however the nation might be watching.
Faculty Basketball Finest Bets for Saturday, Dec. 28
Gonzaga vs. UCLA Betting Preview
All Gonzaga vs. UCLA odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are right as of Saturday, Dec. 28.
- Unfold
Gonzaga -4.5 - Moneyline
Gonzaga -190 | UCLA +155 - Over/Beneath
148 - Sport Time
4:00 p.m. ET - Location
Intuit Dome| Inglewood, CA - How To Watch
Fox
Gonzaga vs. UCLA Finest Bets
There’s a rhythm, a consistency, to Mark Few’s groups—a symphony of offensive precision orchestrated by an elite level guard. This yr, Ryan Nembhard holds the baton, conducting Gonzaga’s high-powered assault with 10.2 assists to only 2.2 turnovers per recreation. In opposition to UCLA’s relentless defensive strain, Nembhard’s poise may show pivotal, a gentle hand within the storm.
But, the Bulldogs face questions. And not using a true secondary ball-handler, Nembhard bears a heavy load. Whereas Nolan Hickman thrives as a fringe sharpshooter, he isn’t a strain reliever. Enter Khalif Battle, the explosive veteran guard who generates offense by drawing fouls and creating chaos. Add a frontcourt trio of Graham Ike, Braden Huff, and Ben Gregg—all averaging double figures—and Gonzaga’s offensive depth stands out.
Gonzaga PG Ryan Nembhard is on tempo to have probably the greatest passing seasons in CBB. Thus far he’s averaging
11 PPG
3 RPG
11 APG
2 SPG
57% TSNembhard is averaging a formidable double double with assists by way of his first 8 video games which is one thing nearly unparalleled. He’s additionally… pic.twitter.com/kFqaV3L3mb
— KJ (@KJ__Hoops) December 3, 2024
The Zags’ three losses inform a narrative. They’ve fallen solely to UConn, Kentucky, and a pre-injury West Virginia, every loss in opposition to elite competitors. In the meantime, UCLA is driving a sizzling streak, successful 9 of its final 10 video games, with slim victories over Arizona and Oregon showcasing its grit. Nevertheless, the Bruins’ offense—ranked sixtieth in effectivity—lags behind their stout protection (fourth).
This recreation is a collision of contrasting strengths: Gonzaga’s up-tempo, 80+ level offense versus UCLA’s defensive grit. The query is whether or not the Bruins can preserve tempo when scoring turns into a necessity.
In a recreation the place possessions matter, Gonzaga’s skill to keep away from turnovers and dictate tempo provides it the sting. Few’s squad, rested and prepared, appears to be like poised to run and gun, testing UCLA’s limits. The Bulldogs ought to cowl the -4.5 to -5 unfold, pulling away as their offensive firepower proves an excessive amount of for the Bruins to comprise over 40 minutes. That is Gonzaga’s second to shine, a take a look at of its skill to stability precision and tempo on the grand stage.
