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Expert Picks
Gonzaga struggled with ball handling and finishing the break amid Northwestern’s pressure and furious comeback attempt in the second round. This is uncharacteristic of a Bulldogs team that usually efficient with protecting the ball and capitalizing against a press. The Bulldogs dispatched nonconference foes such as Tennessee and Washington that tried to disrupt them with pressure. Although West Virginia does pressure defense better than any team in the country, I still think Gonzaga is undervalued in this line. Look for the Bulldogs to execute against the press and advance to the Elite Eight in the West Region.
This is the best Gonzaga team ever and it is because of its defense. The Bulldogs are long and athletic, and are great at getting back in transition to limit any fast-break points. West Virginia plays great defense as well. The plan is to get the opponent to take a quick shot, then work for a better shot on its own end. The Bulldogs will not be fooled into taking quick shots unless they are layups, and the Mountaineers will be deliberate in their offense.
West Virginia looked far more impressive in its second-round win over Notre Dame, compared to Gonzaga's struggle against Northwestern. But the Zags are a complete team and they've yet to show their best in this tourney. I'll lay the small number with the more efficient side.