Gonzaga vs UCLA: Betting preview, predictions & Game info for Sweet 16 matchup

The Sweet 16 is here. March Madness has been nothing short of thrilling so far and Thursday will see the #3-seeded Gonzaga looking to continue their impressive run by beating the #2-seeded UCLA. Who will advance to the Elite Eight?

Gonzaga vs UCLA Game Info

Who: Gonzaga vs UCLA
Where: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas
When: Thursday March 23rd, 7:45PM EST
How to watch: TBS

Gonzaga vs UCLA betting info

Spread: Gonzaga +1.5 | UCLA -1.5 (-115)
Moneyline: Gonzaga +105 | UCLA -125
Over/Under: 145.5 (-115)

Gonzaga vs UCLA game preview

This is a clash of Titans in every sense of the word. UCLA is an 11-time champion, and while Gonzaga is yet to win its first, they reached the final in both 2017 and 2021. They’ll be hoping to make the final once again this year, but have some stiff competition in their way.

The Bruins breezed past Northwestern thanks to a sterling performance from Jaime Jaquez Jr., who is now averaging over 20 points per game in the tournament. Amari Bailey has been great in support as well, having posted 31 points through UCLA’s opening two contests. Slowing the pair down will be the key for Gonzaga.

As for the Zags, their high-octane offense has done anything but slow down at the big dance. A 28-point outing from Drew Timme helped rally Gonzaga back from a halftime deficit against TCU to burst into the Sweet 16. The Center was aided by strong shooting nights from his supporting guards, with Malachi Smith putting up 11 points in the win.

The Zags averaged 87 points per game in the regular season and they’ll need all of that and then some against a stern UCLA defense that only gave up 60 per game in the regular season.

You’ve got a dominant offense taking on a dominant defense in this one and in these instances, star-power usually takes over. Look for Jaime Jaquez to score over 17 points for the 12th time in 13 games while Gonzaga’s defense struggles to contain him.