Grand Canyon vs Gonzaga picks see if Gonzaga learned any lessons from the past few seasons. So, the Gonzaga Bulldogs frightened wagerers last year in the tournament after buzzing through their regular season. This year started way differently. After three early season losses, Gonzaga only lost twice the rest of the way. That included nine straight wins, WCC revenge, and a demolition of St. Mary’s.
Grand Canyon vs Gonzaga picks are curious to see if Gonzaga can exorcise some demons on Friday night. The Gonzaga Bulldogs nearly won a national championship twice, utilizing a high-paced offense that can pile on points quickly. Unsurprisingly, the Bulldogs led the nation in scoring at 87.5 points per game this season. Unlike the past several campaigns, Gonzaga fell in the rankings and bounced back late.
So, the next stage is the familiar foe known as the NCAA Tournament. At the same time, the Bulldogs are a virtual lock to win their opening game on Friday night. The less certain parts involve covering spreads, scoring enough points, and maybe sneaking in a player prop. One of the later games on Friday means having a little fun and being different. Again, these wagers seek to bet the smallest amounts for a good reason.
Gonzaga won its fourth straight conference tournament and qualified for the “Big Dance” (24th straight time). Now, why is this year different? The Bulldogs contend in a loaded West region that features TCU, Kansas, and UCLA, among others. Too many years, Gonzaga ends up in a closer game than expected early in the tournament. This team looks to demolish that notion. Even as a 15.5-point favorite, Gonzaga is raring to go.
So, with Gonzaga yielding nearly 73 points a game this season, that may lure some into siding with Grand Canyon, plus the points on Friday. Instead, we dive the other way. BetOnline Vegas Online Sportsbook zags on Gonzaga, even laying 15.5 points.
Grand Canyon vs Gonzaga picks ask can the Bulldogs light up the Ball Center scoreboard. Now, the rarified air in Denver is about to see a bit of an offensive explosion. How much of that comes from who Gonzaga plays too? Grand Canyon feeds into the pace of Gonzaga well. Their coach is a familiar name. Google the name Bryce Drew some time. He is well known for a buzzer-beating shot in the madness a few decades ago.
Now, Drew leads a team that made the NCAA Tournament. The Antelopes show some speed and considerable resolve. This team finished sixth in the WAC and then won their conference tournament. Led by Rayshon Harrison, Harrison creates some matchup problems even for Gonzaga. However, the Bulldogs distribute the ball from several angles, which may be difficult for Grand Canyon to handle.
Can Gonzaga get off to a faster start on Friday? Even against St. Mary’s, it took a little while for the Bulldogs to start scoring. There must be a few backup options with a high overset at 155.5 that ranges as high as 157. While Grand Canyon will be coached fundamentally well, Gonzaga is peaking at the right time for this first-round matchup.
Finally, we snipe a few overs here for Friday night. Again, be aware of betting small to fight another day err night. First, the largest lead hitting 21 points or more at some point is +107, and the opening shot to hit is at +125. Those are our first shots to take here. After that, the team over 85.5 for Gonzaga at -115 becomes reasonable. Then, for a little icing on top, let us hop on the over for first-half points at 41.5 (-120) too.
The Grand Canyon vs Gonzaga picks seek to roll the bones. Yes, Gonzaga comes in all business and without the pressure of being one of the top two seeds in the West. Expectations are a hair lower for the Bulldogs too unless Clark Kellogg keeps taking. All joking aside, Gonzaga and Drew Timme have some balance and depth not seen in previous seasons. Julian Strawther keeps maturing, and he is only getting better.
Odds for March Madness Betting spawn so many possible scenarios. It boggles the mind how much money gets wagered on games like this. Now, this is the section where we roll the bones a bit. Teams like the Bulldogs surprisingly carry some player props, which could be enticing.
Alas, given how loaded this region is, taking early plays here is prudent. Again, no outrageous sums of money are bet. Julian Strawther and the over of 15.5 points (-110) is one player prop to take. Another is Drew Timme at an over of 20.5 points (-110).
Grand Canyon vs Gonzaga basks in the advantage of Betting Site Bonuses to go for a little luck on St. Patrick’s Day err, hope for more luck. Anyway, Gonzaga to win by 21 or more points is a bit risky at +120. However, if Gonzaga wins by 35, the wager still prevails. Finally, do not forget Julian Strawther, who may even score 20+ points.
Remember those prop builder choices on Bovada as game time approaches. Thanks for reading!
Summary
Chris Wassel AA, AAS CURRENTLY Sports Writer and Journalist RESIDES IN Rahway, NJ EDUCATION Union County College, Montclair State University EXPERTISE Business, Writing, Sports, Food, Grilling, Olympics, Injuries, Politics, and more Summary Member of FSWA, FSGA, and a variety of Sports Betting Groups. Works on injuries for a variety of sites. Edits articles from NASCAR to football and beyond. Occasionally runs sites like mynhltraderumor.com and Full Press Hockey/Bets. Does a podcast for Full Press Hockey and a few other sports too. Experience Chris Wassel has 20+ years of sports journalistic experience in various disciplines. His ability to play sports is well documented. Most people in the business just write. However, Chris will race cars and even a super Moto bike from time to time. There is that fitness and hiking/cycling aspect too. Chris has climbed mountains from Mount Washington to Mount San Jacinto in Palm Springs, California. For those that do not know. Chris also dabbles in food eating contests and challenges. Having a unique background with friends including Joey Chestnut and Casey Webb, Chris has the ability to eat a whole 16-pound turkey or a 32 inch meat lover's pizza. Since 2013, Chris does focus on things like fitness, fishing, and sports. One would be surprised that Chris runs, hikes, and rock climbs. There are even those occasional mini-triathlons. One truly can pack a lot in a small package. Chris can lift things over his body weight with ease. Also, if there is a NASCAR rain prop, Chris can tell you if there will be a Monday race. Throughout his career, Chris has worked at a wide range of places from Amazon to USA Today to a variety of rumors and fantasy sports sites. Finally, Chris has been nominated for quite a few awards from the Fantasy Sports Writers Association for Hockey Writer Of The Year. Also, there have been a number of high-stakes fantasy trophies and rings that Chris sports in his house. Education Chris received an Associates from Union Country College for business and accounting. Chris did sports journalism work at Montclair State University covering the hockey, baseball, and football teams. Quote from Chris Wassel "Shut up and play.”
Education
1999 Graduate of Union County College
1993 Graduate of Rahway High School
Professional Achievements
Media credentialed member of the New Jersey Devils since 2010
Covered several NHL Drafts including the one day event in Newark in 2013
Been on countless podcasts, TV shows, and more including Sportsnet and even NHL Network