March Madness: Gonzaga vs UNC Greensboro game preview

The Gonzaga Bulldogs look to begin their 2018 NCAA Tournament run with a big win in the first round. However, the very tough UNC Greensboro Spartans will look to put pressure on the Zags and bust some brackets.

TV Schedule: Thursday, March 15, 1:30 pm EST, TNT

Arena: Taco Bell Arena, Boise, ID

Two of the best mid-major conference basketball teams will square off in what is guaranteed to be a must watch game. While Gonzaga had been a staple in the tournament since 1999, UNC Greensboro is participating for just the third time in their history, after winning the Southern Conference Tournament.

For the Bulldogs, the season has been one of growth and maturation. After losing four key players from last year’s Final Four team, the Zags were not expected to be a strong force this season. However, as is the case with most Gonzaga teams, new players stepped in and gave fans in Spokane hope for the tournament.

Rui Hachimura and Killian Tillie have provided some matchup issues for opposing defenses, as both can finish strong at the rim or shoot the ball from deep. Josh Perkins is the facilitator for the Zags, leading the team in assists and ensuring the offense is run efficiently. Silas Melson and Johnathan Williams are solid two-way players that make strong contributions on both ends. Zach Norvell is the X-factor, making key plays on offense that have reinvigorated the Zags when they seemed out of sorts.

For UNC Greensboro, the key has been solid and efficient defense. Both James Dickey and Marvin Smith could give the Zags some issues. Dickey protects the rim, as well as anyone in the country and Smith, harasses ball handlers with ease.

On the offensive end, Francis Alonso and Isaiah Miller will look to score in different ways. Alonso his a sharpshooter, who can put points on the board in large quantities, while Miller has made a name as one of the better dunkers in the NCAA.

UNC Greensboro will be the best defensive team the Zags have faced since the non-conference, and their athleticism will be a better match for the Bulldogs than any team in the WCC. Gonzaga, however, should still have the edge due to their size, depth and the coaching of Mark Few.

Next: How UNC Greensboro can upset the Zags

Expect this game to stay close through the first half, while Gonzaga is shaking off some rust, before opening up in the last 10 minutes.

Prediction: Gonzaga 72 – UNC Greensboro 61