5 Bold Predictions For No. 2 Gonzaga vs. No. 11 UCLA

By Jerry Landry

5 Bold Predictions For No. 2 Gonzaga vs. No. 11 UCLA

UCLA Bruins vs. Gonzaga Bulldogs NCAA Tournament — The Gonzaga Bulldogs were shaky in the Round of 64 but looked well composed on Sunday. What brand of ‘Zags basketball will we see? Well, that depends on what UCLA Bruins team we see on Friday. Here’s five factors into how it will all shake out.

5. Gonzaga Gets An Early Lead With The Three-Ball

Gonzaga Bulldogs Kyle Wiltjer 'Zags NCAA Tournament

5. Gonzaga Gets An Early Lead With The Three-Ball

Gonzaga Bulldogs Kyle Wiltjer 'Zags NCAA Tournament — Gonzaga is gonna push the score of this game into the 70s and 80s, and the Bulldogs will gauge this tempo by nailing trays. Against the Iowa Hawkeyes on Sunday, Gonzaga forward Kyle Wiltjer and guard Kevin Pangos combined to go 8 for 13 from behind the arc, and I expect the same output Friday night.

4. Kevon Looney Gets Back On Track With The Three-Ball

UCLA Bruins Kevon Looney NCAA Tournament Gonzaga 'Zags

4. Kevon Looney Gets Back On Track With The Three-Ball

UCLA Bruins Kevon Looney NCAA Tournament Gonzaga 'Zags — The Bruins’ best three-point shooter for the season (43.1 percent) has yet to hit a three-pointer in the tournament. Look for the freshman forward to change that against Gonzaga and hit a few triples to keep UCLA tight with the Bulldogs.

3. Przemek Karnowski Will Have Three Blocks

Gonzaga Bulldogs Przemek Karnowski 'Zags NCAA Tournament

3. Przemek Karnowski Will Have Three Blocks

Gonzaga Bulldogs Przemek Karnowski 'Zags NCAA Tournament — I cannot pronounce ‘Przemek Karnowski,’ but please don’t tell the Bulldogs’ center that. The 7-foot-1, 288 pound Karnowski doesn’t see the point to “Beast Mode” since he’s a beast at all times. Look for Karnowski to be a bear for the Bruins to deal with, and swat multiple shots back out to the perimeter.

2. Norman Powell Goes For 20 Points

UCLA Bruins Norman Powell NCAA Tournament UAB

2. Norman Powell Goes For 20 Points

UCLA Bruins Norman Powell NCAA Tournament UAB — This game will be one of the few high-scoring contests of the tourney, and Norman Powell will play a big part. If the Bruins are to match Gonzaga’s staggering output, UCLA will need Looney on the wing and Powell just about everywhere else.

1. Gonzaga Rolls On To The Elite Eight

Gonzaga Bulldogs Celebrating Iowa Hawkeyes win

1. Gonzaga Rolls On To The Elite Eight

Gonzaga Bulldogs Celebrating Iowa Hawkeyes win — Gonzaga appears to be hitting stride again, and I think it’ll be really tough for a tournament bubble team such as UCLA to keep pace. Look for UCLA to stick to the game plan early, but for Gonzaga to power ahead late.

Teams in this article »

UCLA Bruins

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Gonzaga Bulldogs

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