FREE CONTEST: #1 Gonzaga Bulldogs vs #4 West Virginia Mountaineers ($25 Prize!)
UPDATE: THE WINNER OF THE $25 AMAZON GIFT CARD IS tommy*******@icloud.com CONGRATULATIONS!
Feb 2, 2017; Provo, UT, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs center Przemek Karnowski (24) knocks Brigham Young Cougars forward Eric Mika (12) down while going to the basket during the first half at Marriott Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports
Prizing:
1st Place: $25 Amazon gift card
2nd-5th Place: $10 Starbucks gift card
Overview:
On Thursday, March 23rd, the (34-1) Gonzaga Bulldogs will take on the (28-8) West Virginia Mountaineers.
The Crowd:
“The Crowd” projects a final score of Gonzaga 74.6 – West Virginia 73.6 with an over/under of 148.2. The Vegas Line has a final score of Gonzaga 75.3 – West Virginia 72.3 with an over/under of 147.5.
Statistics (2016-17 season):
Point differential: Gonzaga +22.8 > West Virginia +15.3
Points per game: Gonzaga 83.9 PPG > West Virginia 82.1 PPG
Points allowed per game: Gonzaga 61.1 > West Virginia 66.8 PPG
Field Goal Percentage Offense: Gonzaga 51.8% > West Virginia 45.9%
Field Goal Percentage Defense: Gonzaga 36.8% > West Virginia 42.4%
Three Point Percentage: Gonzaga 37.4% > West Virginia 36.7%
Turnovers per game: Gonzaga 11.3 > West Virginia 12.3
Rebounds per game: Gonzaga 40.6 > West Virginia 37.3
Assists per game: West Virginia 16.7 > Gonzaga 15.6
Summary:
Gonzaga was the best team throughout the season having lost only one game while playing high level of competition. The Bulldogs are (5-0) against ranked opponents while West Virginia is (5-3). The Mountaineers are very deep averaging 82.1 points per game despite having just two players average in double figures. Statistically, Gonzaga has the advantage in nearly every category, but I still think this will be a close game. Gonzaga has more size on the interior which should help them to control the paint and outrebound West Virginia. Gonzaga ranks 1st in point differential (+22.8) and 2nd in field goal percentage defense 36.8%. It’s worth noting that Gonzaga has only averaged 72.5 points per game in the tournament whereas West Virginia has averages 84.5. The key to this game will be if Gonzaga can take care of the basketball (11.3 TPG). West Virginia leads the nation in turnovers forced at 20.1 per game. If Gonzaga can limit the transition opportunities for West Virginia, they will win with their methodical half-court offense.
**LISTEN HERE** to the latest edition of “The Berger Shop” podcast, sponsored by The Crowd’s Line. This week’s episode features an in-depth discussion talking Showtime Sports Doc on St. Anthony’s Bob Hurley with Brian Dailey.
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