Memphis Tigers vs Gonzaga Bulldogs: March Madness Odds, Pick

When the brackets were released last Sunday, this was a game that many hoped would happen. Top-seeded Gonzaga, the favorites to win this year’s NCAA Tournament game, will be meeting up with the 9th-seeded Memphis Tigers. Check out March Madness Odds, analysis, and a free prediction for Memphis Tigers versus Gonzaga Bulldogs.

Men’s College Basketball March Madness Betting: #9 Memphis vs #1 Gonzaga Match Preview

Memphis Tigers On a Roll

Since late January, Penny Hardaway’s squad has been on a tear. They played themselves back into the tournament with their hot streak. Many credit Memphis playing better to losing Emoni Bates to injury.

Bates, one of the most highly sought-after prospects in the country, had numerous issues, and many said that he was bringing the team down.

Memphis played well without him, but now he’s back, and he logged three minutes in Memphis’s first-round victory over Boise State on Thursday. The Tigers survived a late Boise State rally to advance to take on the Gonzaga Bulldogs.

Gonzaga coming in of a Win against Georgia State

Gonzaga struggled in the first half against #16 seed Georgia State. However, the Bulldogs came out on fire in the second half and pulled away for an easy victory. Led by the trio of Andrew Nembhard, Drew Timme, and Chet Holmgren, the Zags took control of the game in the second half and stymied Georgia State’s upset attempt.

In looking at this matchup, one potential pairing stands out. Two of the country’s top freshmen could more than likely end up guarding each other, as Jalen Duren of Memphis could face off with Gonzaga’s Chet Holmgren.

Holmgren could be the Top Choice in NBA Draft

Many NBA draft experts think that Holmgren could be the top choice in this year’s draft if he chooses to come out. Holmgren can play inside or outside and handles the ball like a guard.

Duren is more of a prototypical post player, using his strength and athleticism inside to get to the rim. This matchup should be a fun one to watch.

Memphis coach Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway will have some tough decisions to make in this one. Will he play more zone defense than normal to slow down the powerful inside attack of Timme and Holmgren? Memphis has played very little zone this season, but if the two Gonzaga stars start having their way inside, will he make that change?

Both teams like to run, but Gonzaga plays at a faster pace than Memphis. If the game gets too fast, will Hardaway try and slow things down? Will we also see more of Bates on Saturday?

Bates is a talent, but he’s on a minutes limit due to his injury. Will Hardaway want to “rock the boat” and mess with the team’s chemistry by giving Bates more minutes?

Betting Prediction

In looking at the gambling aspect, Gonzaga is an early 11-point favorite. The Bulldogs average nearly 88 points per game. Both teams love to score, as Memphis can fill up the hoop as well.

Gonzaga is 15-0 when they score 85 points or more, while Memphis is 7-0 in the same situation. We’re not sure that you want to get into a track meet with Gonzaga if you’re Memphis.

We think that this one will be tight until the end, but Gonzaga will pull away late. We don’t see Gonzaga covering the spread, but we like them to win the game.