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by Dan Angell | in NCAA Basketball Picks
The Gonzaga Bulldogs (25-7 SU, 15-16 ATS) opened up their NCAA tournament against the Cinderella favorite McNeese State Cowboys (30-3 SU, 16-12-1 ATS) in Salt Lake City. Gonzaga's seven losses are the most the Bulldogs have taken since 2016, but they didn't take a single bad loss all year. The Bulldogs have won 14 of their past 16 games, with the only losses coming against Saint Mary's.
Conversely, McNeese State has a gaudy record but hasn't proven itself against anyone. The Cowboys have won 25 of their past 26 games, but only one of those games came against a school in the top 100 nationally. Outside of the season opener against VCU, the Cowboys didn't play a single Quad 1 opponent all season. The Cowboys excelled at forcing turnovers and getting second chances in the Southland Conference, but they haven't faced a team as long or experienced as Gonzaga all season.
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McNeese Cowboys vs Gonzaga Form
McNeese Cowboys and Gonzaga Latest Matches
McNeese Cowboys - Gonzaga Key Points
- Gonzaga has not lost a first-round game since 2008.
- McNeese State is 3-4 ATS in its past seven games.
- Gonzaga has won its past five first-round games by an average of 23.8 points.
- Gonzaga has topped 80 points in its past nine games against teams other than Saint Mary’s.
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Our McNeese Cowboys vs Gonzaga Prediction
e line has moved in Gonzaga's favor as the public has jumped on McNeese's glittering record. But the Cowboys aren't experienced against a team of this caliber and don't have the size needed to Graham Ike and Anton Watson off the boards.
The Bulldogs lead the nation in inside shooting percentage and rank 10th in the nation in second-chance opportunities. McNeese State is far more used to teams that try to shoot the 3-pointer, and Gonzaga's built more like a power conference team. The Cowboys are also dependent on getting to the free throw line, and Gonzaga really doesn't foul very often. This points to a bad matchup for McNeese State. Our prediction for McNeese State vs. Gonzaga: is Gonzaga -5.5.
All tips are fully researched and given in good faith, but profits cannot be guaranteed.
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