NFL
On Saturday, April 3rd, #2 Houston will face off against #1 Baylor. The surprise of the tournament, #11 UCLA, will play #1 Gonzaga.
#2 Houston vs. #1 Baylor, 5:14 PM CBS TV.
The Houston Cougars have won 11 games in a row. They advanced to the Final Four by defeating Oregon State, 67-61. The Cougars win with an aggressive defense and veteran players who know their roles. Quentin Grimes leads Houston in scoring, he averages 18 points per game. Dejon Jarreau is the key to this team on offense and defense. He sets the tone on both ends of the floor and averages 10 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists per game. This team does not have great size but they are 3rd in the country in offensive rebounding. They had 18 against Oregon State.
The Baylor Bears are first in three-point shooting percentage in the country. They make 41% of their 3-point shots. This offense is predicated on ball movement. Baylor averaged 16.6 assister per game which was ranked 15th in the nation. Jared Butler, MaCio Teague and Davion Mitchell average over 45 points combined per game.
Prediction:
This is a classic battle of styles. Houston wants to play in the 60’s and slow the game down. Baylor wants to score in the high 70s and push the ball and play up tempo. I expect this game to be close for a half but Baylor’s scoring will be too much as time winds down. Take the better offense over a good defense.
Baylor 77- Houston 68
#1 Gonzaga vs #11 UCLA, 8:34 PM, CBS TV.
UCLA is giving a whole new meaning to the term, “Cinderella” The Bruins lost 4 games in a row entering the tournament. If this was a normal season, without covid, UCLA might not have even being selected to play in March Madness. The Bruins defeated #2 Alabama and #1 Michigan in back-to-back games. This team may be an 11 seed, but they deserve to be in the Final Four.
Gonzaga is 30-0. They do not have anyone on their roster who is flashy or plays above the rim consistently. What they do have is a starting five that is fundamentally sound. Against USC they 0nly had 1 turnover in the first half and got numerous uncontested shots. USC was holding opponents to under 35% shooting in the tournament. Gonzaga shot 50% in their blowout victory. Drew Timme scored 23 points, Corey Kispert had 18 points, 8 rebounds, and Jalen Suggs had 18 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists as they advanced to the Final Four.
Prediction:
The UCLA story has been compelling and fun to watch, but that all ends Saturday. Gonzaga is going to stream roll the Bruins.
Gonzaga 88- UCLA 66
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