Connecticut Huskies vs. Gonzaga Bulldogs: Elite Eight Prediction, Preview, Picks & Odds - 3/25/2023

NCAA Tournament: Elite Eight, West Region

Time: 8:49 p.m. ET

Venue: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, NV

Where to watch: TBS

DraftKings: UConn -2.5

BetMGM: UConn -2.5

Caesars: UConn -2.5

UConn: 28-8

Gonzaga: 31-5

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UConn: won 88-65 vs. Arkansas

Gonzaga: won 79-76 vs. UCLA

The Elite Eight of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament is shaping up to be an intense showdown between two powerhouse programs: the Connecticut Huskies and the Gonzaga Bulldogs. Both teams have played impressive basketball throughout the tournament, and fans are eagerly anticipating their matchup on the court.

 

Connecticut, the 1st seed in the West Region, has been dominant in the tournament so far, with double-digit wins over 16th seed Texas Southern, 9th seed Missouri, and 5th seed Creighton. The Huskies boast a deep and talented roster, led by star guard James Bouknight, who has been averaging 20 points per game in the tournament. Connecticut's defense has also been formidable, holding opponents to an average of just 60 points per game.

 

Gonzaga, meanwhile, comes into the Elite Eight as the 2nd seed in the West Region. The Bulldogs have also been impressive in the tournament, with wins over 15th seed Norfolk State, 8th seed Oklahoma, and 5th seed Creighton. Led by star guard Jalen Suggs and forward Drew Timme, Gonzaga has one of the most talented and balanced rosters in the country. The Bulldogs are known for their high-scoring offense, which has been averaging over 90 points per game in the tournament.

 

When these two teams meet on the court, it will be a battle between two of the top programs in the country. Connecticut will be looking to slow down Gonzaga's high-powered offense with its stifling defense, while Gonzaga will be looking to use its size and athleticism to dominate on both ends of the court.

 

One area where Connecticut may have an advantage is in rebounding. The Huskies have one of the best rebounding teams in the country, with a +7.2 rebounding margin per game. If they can continue to dominate the boards against Gonzaga, it could give them extra possessions and limit the Bulldogs' scoring opportunities.

 

Gonzaga, meanwhile, will be looking to rely on its balanced scoring attack to overwhelm Connecticut's defense. The Bulldogs have six players averaging double-digit points per game in the tournament, making them a difficult team to defend against. If they can continue to share the ball and find open shots, they could put up a lot of points on the scoreboard.

 

Ultimately, this game could come down to which team can impose its will on the other. If Connecticut can slow the game down and play at its pace, it could limit Gonzaga's scoring opportunities and give the Huskies a chance to win. But if Gonzaga can push the tempo and get out in transition, it could overwhelm Connecticut's defense and pull away for the win.

 

All in all, this Elite Eight matchup between Connecticut and Gonzaga promises to be a thrilling and hard-fought battle between two elite programs. With both teams playing some of their best basketball of the season, fans are sure to be in for a treat. Don't miss this game.

 

It is the way of the land that UConn returns to its rightful glory. UConn 80, Gonzaga 76

PG: Tristen Newton

SG: Jordan Hawkins

SF: Andre Jackson Jr.

PF: Alex Karaban

C: Adama Sanogo

PG: Rasir Bolton

SG: Nolan Hickman

SF: Julian Strawther

PF: Anton Watson

C: Drew Timme