Gonzaga Bulldogs vs Connecticut Huskies Prediction: A see-saw affair can take place

The NCAA March Madness is not about second chances, you lose a game and your campaign is over. We have swiftly moved into the Elite Eight section and this is a window where teams are battle-hardened. In another Elite Eight affair, Gonzaga Bulldogs are going to test the tricky waters against the Connecticut Huskies.

The Bulldogs make their way into the game after a remarkable turnaround against UCLA, winning 79:76 behind a 36 points show by Drew Timme. They were trailing by thirteen points at the half but in the second half, they reconfigured their game. They took the lead on a Malachi Smith jumper when there were around nine minutes left in the game. However, UCLA kept fighting back and with around 13 seconds, they took a point lead. Julian Strawther made a three-pointer with seven seconds to go and a free-throw with a second to go. UCLA had a crack at the three-point shot with a second to go but Gonzaga dodged a bullet.

Apart from scoring 36, Timme also contributed 13 rebounds, four assists, and two blocks. Guard Julian Strawther had a double-double, dipping 15 points and 10 rebounds whereas Malachi Smith was another double-digit scorer with 14 points and six rebounds. Gonzaga won the battle of the boards 50-26 to overcome a 16:6 turnovers disparity. They made half of their shots and despite having fewer free-throws and one less three-pointer, they rode the hot hand of Timme to make it through.

The Uconn Huskies continued their stunning form and defeated the Arkansas Razorbacks 88:65 behind as Jordan Hawkins had a decisive 24 points outburst. The Huskies built a huge lead in the first half, outsourcing the Razorbacks 46-29 whereas they continued the onslaught in the second half too, having a six-points edge in the whole half. Apart from Hawkins, exciting prospect Adama Sanogo sizzled with a 18 points and seven rebounds performance.

Alex Kabaran contributed 11 points and seven rebounds whereas the other double-digit scorer was Nahiem Alleyne who chipped in with 10 points. The team shot a highly impressive 57,4% and an electric 45% from the three-point range(9 made triples). They limited Arkansas to just 31.7% shooting and just 31.3% from deep. Both teams committed a ton of fouls and there were 48 attempts from the line. Uconn did commit 17 turnovers bu the rebounding advantage covered up the lost possessions.

The Bulldogs’ comeback makes for an interesting match-up but the defense of the Huskies is not going to make it easy. UConn’s frontline is going to have its hands full against Drew Timme who has been killing defenses of all sorts and that can be the match-up that is the bingo card for the Bulldogs. I expect a close game but the frontline of Huskies will hold their own in my opinion and nab them a win.