NCAA Basketball: Mock 2020 NCAA Tournament national title predictions
Adam Childs – @AdamChilds21
We have finally made it to the national championship with Gonzaga finally trying to break through and win their first championship while Kansas is looking for number six. Both of these teams have looked dominant this year and it is a fitting end to the season.
The Jayhawks rely on Devon Dotson and Udoka Azubuike to do most of the heavy lifting as they only have one other guy in Ochai Agbaji averaging in double figures for the year. They do not shoot the ball great from the outside as a team. But with Azubuike patrolling the lane they are a dangerous team inside. Azubuike is a force on the glass averaging 10.5 rebounds per game. Dotson is dangerous off the dribble as he averages 18.1 points per game, but only shoots 30% from deep. Both of these guys will be tough matchups for the Bulldogs.
The Bulldogs, on the other hand, are much more balanced as they have six players averaging double figures in points per game. They are led by Flip Petrusev who averages 17.5 points and 7.9 rebounds per game. Gonzaga is the better three-point shooting team and it could be the difference. Killian Tillie and Corey Kispert are both dangerous from the outside as they both shoot over 40% from deep. Combine that with their size and they are also a matchup nightmare for the Jayhawks.
Kansas has been tested more this year playing in the Big 12 and that could be a factor also. Like it or not but their conference does have them more prepared for a situation like this compared to Gonzaga, but few teams have been as consistent as the Bulldogs and they have shown they can play with the big boys.
Gonzaga is not going to be scared of this moment and it will show. Azubuike will be effective down low and lead all scorers, but the Bulldogs slow down Dotson as they force him to shoot from the outside and his shot is off. The Bulldogs’ ability to make their shots are a big difference as the Jayhawks just can’t quite keep up. Gonzaga has four guys score in double figures and pull away late for their first-ever national championship.
Gonzaga 82, Kansas 74 (Gonzaga wins, 6-1 overall over the Jayhawks)
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There you have it. The Gonzaga Bulldogs were predicted by the Busting Brackets staff to win the 2020 NCAA Tournament. Of course, this is a flawed process but fun overall and many thanks to the quality contributors who participated throughout the various rounds. Do you at home agree with Gonzaga taking home the title? And who’ll win it all a year from now? Stay tuned to Busting Brackets for all the latest NCAA Basketball news and opinions, holding steady until games are played in real life once again.