Villanova vs. Gonzaga: College Basketball game preview, TV schedule

In a showdown of elite college basketball programs, the Gonzaga Bulldogs will face off with the Villanova Wildcats on Tuesday night. Who comes out on top?

TV Schedule: Tuesday, Dec. 5, 7:00 p.m. ET, ESPN

Arena: Madison Square Garden, New York, New York

The Gonzaga Bulldogs started off the 2017-18 college basketball season strong, winning their first four games by double-digits before a PK80 loss to the Florida Gators in what could be the best game of the college basketball season so far.

The Bulldogs, who were expected to take a slight step back this season, have seemingly transitioned seamlessly – a testament to both Mark Few and the strength of this program. In fact, many had Saint Mary’s potential usurping the Bulldogs at the top of the WCC this season, but it looks like, at least so far, the Bulldogs are playing at a completely different level than the Gaels.

After defeating then-No. 25 Creighton in their last game, Gonzaga will have another chance to beat a top 25 team as they face the Villanova Wildcats at MSG.

Villanova remains undefeated on the season despite narrowly surviving two games against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers and Tennessee Volunteers (who are now ranked) in the Battle 4 Atlantis. These scares have seemingly done nothing but make this team stronger, as they have dominated opponents since. Jay Wright and the Wildcats have won their last two games by a combined 79 points – 79!

That being said, do I honestly believe Gonzaga could pull off the upset? Of course.

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However, I think that the Bulldogs are going to get better as the season goes along, and the Wildcats are just a bit more prepared to win now than Gonzaga. Villanova wins in a tight game between two legitimate potential Final Four teams.

Prediction: Villanova 84, Gonzaga 76