No. 14 Gonzaga vs. No. 22 UCLA highlights our school basketball finest bets in a big-time top-25 matchup.
It’s a Saturday showdown, a matinee that carries the load of custom and the joys 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 towards the backdrop of the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, this top-25 matchup guarantees the sort of depth that defines school basketball. It’s a gathering of two storied packages, every searching for 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 shall be watching.
School Basketball Finest Bets for Saturday, Dec. 28
Gonzaga vs. UCLA Betting Preview
All Gonzaga vs. UCLA odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are appropriate as of Saturday, Dec. 28.
SpreadGonzaga -4.5
MoneylineGonzaga -190 | UCLA +155
Over/Under148
Recreation Time4:00 p.m. ET
LocationIntuit Dome| Inglewood, CA
How To WatchFox
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 simply 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 top-of-the-line passing seasons in CBB. Up to now he’s averaging
11 PPG3 RPG11 APG2 SPG57% TS
Nembhard is averaging a formidable double double with assists by way of his first 8 video games which is one thing virtually unprecedented. 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 towards elite competitors. In the meantime, UCLA is driving a sizzling streak, profitable 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 maintain 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, seems to be 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 include over 40 minutes. That is Gonzaga’s second to shine, a take a look at of its skill to steadiness precision and tempo on the grand stage.
