Two years ago, UCLA and Gonzaga faced off in the Final Four in one of the most memorable games in NCAA Tournament history.
If you compare these two teams based on a full-season sample, there’s a compelling case to be made for either side ahead of Thursday’s contest, which features arguably the best offense and the best defense in all of college basketball.
That team featured superstar defender Jaylen Clark, who ranks third on the team in scoring and boasted the nation’s eighth-highest steal rate before suffering a season-ending injury before the Pac-12 Tournament.Consider this: with Clark on the floor, UCLA was allowing fewer than 85 points per 100 possessions and was a whopping 23.7 points better per 100 possessions.
It seems clear: UCLA’s defense isn’t the same without its star defender. And that’s a major issue against Gonzaga.Icon Sportswire via Getty Images This isn’t the most talented supporting cast of Timme’s tenure, but secondary scorer Julian Strawther has an NBA future and is shooting 42.3 percent from three – one of five regulars shooting 36.8 percent or better from long range.The Bulldogs rank just 75th in adjusted defensive efficiency.
Norge Siste Nytt, Norge Overskrifter
Similar News:Du kan også lese nyheter som ligner på denne som vi har samlet inn fra andre nyhetskilder.
March Madness: UCLA’s Jaquez, Gonzaga’s Timme to meet one more time in Sweet 16Drew Timme and Jaime Jaquez Jr. will be reunited Thursday night in the desert when Gonzaga meets UCLA in the NCAA Tournament’s West Region semifinals.
Les mer »
Analysis | How to bet Thursday’s Sweet 16 games: Can Gonzaga slow down UCLA?The NCAA tournament resumes Thursday. Even if your bracket is busted, there is still plenty of action.
Les mer »
Game Day: UCLA-Gonzaga is extra-sweetThursday night matchup has all the elements of a tournament classic.
Les mer »
UCLA will need new defensive strategy if Adem Bona, David Singleton out vs. GonzagaUCLA coach Mick Cronin didn't say much on the injury status of Adem Bona and David Singleton but might need someone else to defend Gonzaga's Drew Timme.
Les mer »
UCLA vs. Gonzaga in NCAA tournament: Betting odds and how to watchHere's everything you need to know to make a smart bet on UCLA vs. Gonzaga in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA men's basketball tournament.
Les mer »