In a rematch of one of college basketball’s best games of recent memory, Gonzaga will take on UCLA in Las Vegas. Who has the edge this time around?
TV schedule: Tuesday, November 23rd, 10:00 pm ET. ESPN
Arena: T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada
Unless you’re a brand new college basketball fan, you’re fully aware of the epic Final Four game last season between Gonzaga and UCLA. The Bulldogs were unbeaten and looking for history heading into the game, while the Bruins were an 11-seed that went from the “play in” game of the First Four to just one win away from playing for it all.
That game has been talked about and written about non-stop, so no need to fully recap it here. It was an offensive explosion from both sides, making as many tough shots as possible throughout the 45 minutes. Gonzaga was able to win 93-90 in overtime, thanks to a near half-court buzzer-beating bank shot by Jalen Suggs, who is now with the Orlando Magic of the NBA.
What makes this “rematch” so interesting is that so many of the players who were part of that game are back. Especially for UCLA, who brings back everyone for this game, with the exception of forward Cody Riley, who is out due to a knee injury. Replacing him in the frontcourt is Rutgers transfer Myles Johnson, a defensive standout at the center position.
Gonzaga will have to deal with him and star guard Johnny Juzang, who had 25 points in the Bruins’ big home win last week over Villanova in the top-5 matchup. Both Jules Bernard and Jaime Jaquez are averaging 18.0 ppg through four games, while Tyger Campbell is one of the best two-way point guards in the country. UCLA is scoring over 90 ppg and has one of the best offenses in the country but will be facing off against a program that has been the nation’s leader in scoring for three years straight.
The Bulldogs have All-American big man Drew Timme, who starred in March and already is a favorite for National Player of the Year, coming off a career-high 37 points on 15/19 shooting in a double-digit win over No. 5 Texas. Joining him and point guard Andrew Nembhard is a fairly new supporting cast but just as talented as last year’s group.
Sophomore wing Julian Strawther is having a breakout campaign so far, averaging around 15 ppg in four games. Iowa State transfer Rasir Bolton has already had an impact with his new team, going for 16 points in the Texas win and averaging in double figures. There’s also a trio of five-star freshmen part of the rotation, including No. 1 ranked prospect Chet Holmgren, already one of the best interior defenders in college basketball. Guards Hunter Sallis and Nolan Hickman come off the bench and have been solid on both ends of the court.
Both teams have played one big game, followed by several “buy games” against much inferior competition. We’ve already seen them pass tests against top-4 opponents at home but this one is neutral in Las Vegas. Expect the point total in this one to be at least over 160 points combined and while not as good as the last one, could very well be another instant classic. With UCLA having more chemistry and things figured out, I think they’ll make fewer mistakes against Gonzaga and win in a squeaker.
Prediction: UCLA 90, Gonzaga 86