USA Today via Reuters
Dec 26, 2020; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Corey Kispert (24) celebrates with guard Jalen Suggs (1) and forward Drew Timme (2) during the second half against the Virginia Cavaliers at Dickies Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 26, 2020; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Corey Kispert (24) celebrates with guard Jalen Suggs (1) and forward Drew Timme (2) during the second half against the Virginia Cavaliers at Dickies Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
NCAA Men’s Basketball will see the best team in the country in the #1 Gonzaga Bulldogs face off against the unranked Brigham Young Cougars. The Bulldogs have been having a fantastic season and are currently undefeated. However, they are facing a team that beat them in February 2020, so this is also about revenge.
Schedule Update: Thursday’s game between Gonzaga and Santa Clara will not be played as scheduled due to a COVID-19 related protocol within the Broncos’ program, the @WCCsports has modified schedules and the Zags will now host BYU Thursday at 5:30 p.m. on ESPN. pic.twitter.com/ATtDga3Zbp
— Gonzaga Basketball (@ZagMBB) January 5, 2021
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The Bulldogs are easily the best team in college basketball this season. They are 10-0 and have beat some heavyweights like the Kansas Jayhawks and the Iowa Hawkeyes. They will be looking to make quick work of the Cougars.
However, the BYU Cougars are no laughing matter. They are 9-2 on the season, with their most impressive win coming against San Diego State. The Bulldogs are a whole different threat entirely, so it will be interesting to see if this underdog can knock the Bulldogs off their perch.
NCAA Men’s Basketball: The Bulldogs win with ease?
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Everyone loves to root for an underdog, and the BYU Cougars may have a shot at victory. However, this Bulldogs team is something very special. The core players are all high-value players that could make the transition to the NBA if needed. Playing other college teams with players not that highly touted will always be easy for them.
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 26, 2020; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Corey Kispert (24) celebrates with teammates during the second half against the Virginia Cavaliers at Dickies Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
However, Cougars did have the last laugh on them when they faced each other last season. BYU is one of the more gifted offensive teams in the NCAA this season. If required, they could genuinely pull a rabbit out of the hat and use their up-tempo offensive style to upset the Zags.
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The Bulldogs will start the game with Jalen Suggs, Corey Kispert, Joel Ayayi, Drew Timme, and Anton Watson. Meanwhile, the Cougars will play Connor Harding, Brandon Averette, Alex Barcello, Kolby Lee, and Matt Haarms.
Our prediction goes the obvious way. While you can’t be quick to rule the Cougars out of this game, it is a rocky mountain for them to climb.
