#1 Gonzaga University and #3 Iowa University are set for a battle of top 5’s this Saturday.
If you are a college basketball fan, you have to be crossing every finger and toe in your body that this game is going to get played. There have been some massive games that have had to be cancelled due to COVID protocols, however as of December 18th, this game is still looking to be on schedule.
This game will be played at a neutral site in South Dakota with tipoff at 11:00 am central standard. This will only be the second time these two programs have ever played each other, with Gonzaga winning the contest back in 2015 by almost twenty points.
Gonzaga vs Iowa Betting Preview: Is this Gonzaga’s year?
Gonzaga has started this season 3-0 and have had to cancel their last 5 games. In the small sample size, the Zags have beat two top 15 teams with wins over Kansas and West Virginia.
The Senior leader, Corey Kispert, is off to a great start to the season. In three games he is averaging 22.3 points per game and is shooting 60.5% from the field.
Two newcomers to the Zags lineup have been a great addition. Freshman Jalen Suggs and Junior Andrew Nembhard (transfer from Florida University) are quickly becoming a top backcourt duo in the nation. Both players are averaging double-digit points as well as over four assists per game. Suggs left the West Virginia game in the middle of the first half with an apparent ankle injury but was able to return towards the end of the second half and finish the game.
Gonzaga vs. Iowa Betting Preview: Is Luka Garza the best player in college basketball?
Garza, a senior for Iowa, has been unstoppable in their first six games averaging 29 points and 9 rebounds. At 6’11” and 265 pounds, Luka has been impressive behind the three point line as well going 13 for 19.
Iowa has started this season 6-0, with their most notable victory coming against North Carolina. Outside of that victory, Iowa has not had any real challenges.
Outside of Garza, the Hawkeyes have gotten production from Joe Wieskamp, Jordan Bohannon, and CJ Friedrick. Iowa has always been known as a school that can shoot and this season is no different. Through six games, they are averaging twenty-nine three-point attempts per game.
Garza vs. Timme will decide this game
Gonzaga also has a very talented big man in sophomore Drew Timme. In three games he is averaging 23.3 points per game and 6.3 rebounds per game.
This will look to be the first time this season Garza will be playing against another big who is just as talented. Both of these guys play a non-contemporary style of basketball for guys who are almost seven-foot tall. Both these guys can step behind the three-point line and knock one down.
Betting Odds & Lines
The opening spread for this game on Draftkings Sportsbook has the Zags the 3.5 point favorite.
Gonzaga vs. Iowa Betting Pick
Iowa comes into this game five and one against the spread. The Zags are two and one against the spread through their first three.
Both teams have put up ridiculous numbers offensively. Both are extremely efficient in transition as well. This game has potential for both teams to end this game in triple digits. Both teams are averaging over ninety points per game.
If you are a Gonzaga fan, you have to hope that this two week layoff would allow for Suggs to come back fully healthy.
If you are an Iowa fan, you have to hope that the three ball continues to be effective for them.
The pick here is Gonzaga -3.5.
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