Gonzaga Bulldogs (22-6) vs. San Francisco Dons (22-7)
Gonzaga Bulldogs vs. San Francisco Dons 2/29/24 – As the NCAA Men’s Basketball season comes into full swing, Gonzaga Bulldogs and San Francisco Dons will clash in an exciting contest this Thursday, both teams looking for victory to continue their incredible seasons. Fans and bettors alike eagerly anticipate this matchup with latest free March Madness predictions to guide their betting decisions and cheers of support.
The Bulldogs enter this matchup with one of the country’s most efficient offenses, evidenced by their 86.1 points per game average and multiple impressive shooting percentages. Gonzaga makes over half their shots with a 51.6% field goal rate. They shoot even better from three at 34.8% and the charity stripe at 71.6%. With 7 made threes and 14 free throws per contest, the Bulldogs scoring attack is diverse and prolific. However, allowing 73.4 points per game indicates potential defensive vulnerabilities.
The Dons counter with a more balanced statistical profile. Though scoring nearly 7 fewer points per game (79 ppg), San Francisco boasts a superior field goal percentage (49.7%) thanks to smarter shot selection. Crashing the offensive boards (9.6 o-rebounds per game) and forcing turnovers (11.7 per game) also fuel their offense. Defensively, the Dons limit opponents to 66.8 points per game through tenacious rebounding (plus-9 margin) and shot challenging (3.5 blocks per game). Controlling tempo and the glass provides San Francisco’s path to victory in a deliberate, defensive struggle.
Gonzaga Bulldogs vs. San Francisco Dons 2/29/24 Game Info
| When: | Thursday, February 29, 2024, at 11:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Chase Center |
| TV: | ESP2 |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Graham Ike (Forward) vs. Jonathan Mogbo (Forward)
Gonzaga forward Graham Ike has averaged 16.3 points and 7.3 rebounds per game while shooting 62% from the field. As a junior, his 6′ 9″ frame allows him to use his footwork and touch around the rim almost unguardable in the post; yet when pulled away he struggles and offers only limited protection with less than one block per game.
Jonathan Mogbo has been an integral component of the Dons this season, averaging 14.9 points and 10.10 rebounds while guarding multiple positions defensively. On offense he thrives at the rim with all 2-point field goal attempts coming from him; his rebounding and defense capabilities would help lead the Dons towards victory over Ike.
Mogbo will play an immense role in this matchup, limiting Ike’s scoring inside. Mogbo should use his defense and rebounding abilities to reduce his impact down low – and, ultimately, help limit Ike’s impact down low for Gonzaga big man Jock Landale. If Mogbo can contain his impact inside, Dons will be in good stead!
NCAAB Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
Given that the betting odds and point spreads are yet to be determined, insights into the game’s dynamics lean on the season’s performances and betting trends. Gonzaga’s explosive offense matched against San Francisco’s balanced attack and defense sets the stage for a closely contested game.
Gonzaga Bulldogs Betting Trends
Gonzaga is 5-0 straight up in their last 5 games, indicating strong recent form. However, they are just 2-3 against the spread over that same sample, failing to cover large spreads. As road favorites this season, the Bulldogs are 6-5 ATS. The over has hit in 4 of Gonzaga’s last 5 overall, helped by an offense averaging over 86 points per game. But in their 16 road games, Gonzaga’s contests have gone over only 8 times.
San Francisco Dons Betting Trends
San Francisco is 4-1 straight up in their last 5, though their three recent ATS covers highlight success against expectations. As home favorites, the Dons are a profitable 7-5 ATS this campaign. Like Gonzaga, scoring has been up in San Francisco’s recent contests with the over hitting in 3 of the last 5. Their home games have been even more likely to exceed totals, going over in 10 of 16 matchups at the Chase Center.
Gonzaga Bulldogs vs. San Francisco Dons 2/29/24 Betting Picks
Considering the statistical analysis and betting trends, this game promises to be a tightly contested match with potential for high scoring from both sides. The Bulldogs, with their offensive efficiency, face the Dons’ balanced attack and stout defense in what could be a clash of contrasting styles.
The better pick seems to lean towards Gonzaga, given their scoring ability and recent form, although San Francisco’s resilience should not be underestimated. The key will be whether the Dons’ defense can slow down Gonzaga’s offense. Prop bets on individual performances, particularly on Graham Ike’s points and Jonathan Mogbo’s rebounds, could offer value, with the over/under on the total score also worth considering given both teams’ recent trends.
Handicapper analysis today suggests a close Gonzaga victory in a high-scoring affair, with both teams likely to push the pace.
Free Pick and Prediction: Gonzaga Bulldogs 82, San Francisco Dons 78.