NCAAB: #23 Gonzaga vs San Francisco Odds, and Picks (Feb 29)

• Gonzaga improved to 11-1 over their last 12 games, after beating Santa Clara.
• San Francisco surged past Pepperdine, winning 92-68, and climbing to 22-7.
• These two teams last faced off on January 25, in a game that Gonzaga won 77-72.

Selection Sunday is just a few weeks away! Let’s look at the upcoming matchup between the Gonzaga Bulldogs and the San Francisco Dons. Both of these teams are on the tournament bubble, needing a win.

How to Watch

• ESPN2

Preview

Gonzaga continues to improve their NCAA Tournament chances, having now won 11 of their last 12 games. Despite their 22-6 record and #23 ranking, the Bulldogs are still not a lock to make the tourney. They lack Quadrant 1 wins, with few opportunities to gain them during conference play. That being said, I see Gonzaga projected closer to a 9-seed than on the bubble. A win here would certainly help their chances.

San Francisco remains outside of the projected tournament field, but has gone 14-3 over their last 17 games, with the only losses coming to St. Mary’s and Gonzaga. A win here against the Zags could open up the conversation for the Dons as a potential at-large bid. Unfortunately, they’ve played 20 of 28 games against Quads 3 and 4, making that a very small chance. Winning the WCC tournament is a different story.

Prediction

With the departure of BYU, the WCC took a major step back in strength this season. That has made it difficult for the conference’s 2nd and 3rd placed teams to build up a strong strength of schedule. That being said, they’ll get one of those rare opportunities against each other in a crucial game on Thursday. After winning the first matchup at home, Gonzaga will face a tougher task here, but I see them winning it.

NCAAB Picks:

• Gonzaga 77, San Francisco 76 (ZAGA +2.5)