Busting Brackets
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Gonzaga Basketball: 3 keys to beat UCLA Bruins in Sweet 16 matchup

By Tristan Freeman

Mar 1, 2023; Spokane, Washington, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Drew Timme (2) talks tot he crowd after a game against the Chicago State Cougars at McCarthey Athletic Center. Gonzaga won 104-65. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 1, 2023; Spokane, Washington, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Drew Timme (2) talks tot he crowd after a game against the Chicago State Cougars at McCarthey Athletic Center. Gonzaga won 104-65. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports /
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UCLA Bruins guard Amari Bailey Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
UCLA Bruins guard Amari Bailey Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Avoid a big game from Amari Bailey

One of the big storylines that’ll overshadow the game is the absence of Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year and double-digit scoring wing, Jaylen Clark. His season-ending injury could be a fatal blow towards them winning a national title but they could still have enough to at least get past Gonzaga Basketball.

One reason why is the recent emergence of Bailey, a former five-star and top-10 overall freshmen in the 2022 recruiting class. He’s had his ups and downs as a freshman, including nine games of six points or fewer scored. It wasn’t a big deal since he was mostly a 4th option offensively.

That changed when Clark went down, as Bailey’s numbers skyrocketed. In the past five games, the 6’5 guard has averaged 17 ppg, including 26 points against Colorado in the Pac-12 Tournament. He doesn’t shoot a ton of threes but gets to the basket well and creates his own offense.

Even if Jaime Jaquez and Tyger Campbell score well, UCLA doesn’t have much offense elsewhere if Bailey doesn’t have a good game. Look for either Rasir Bolton and Hunter Sallis to get most of the defensive assignment on Bailey and if they win that battle, odds will be good that the Bulldogs will win.