Georgia vs Gonzaga March Madness Showdown: Predictions and Picks for NCAA First Round Clash
The #9 Georgia Bulldogs (20-12) face #8 Gonzaga (25-8) in the first round of March Madness on Thursday at 4:30 pm ET in Wichita, KS. Gonzaga enters as 6.5-point favorites with a -290 moneyline, while the total sits at 150.5.
Two basketball players battle for ball
Gonzaga brings strong momentum, going 9-1 in their last ten games including a crucial 58-51 win over Saint Mary's in the WCC Tournament final. They're led by Graham Ike (17.1 PPG, 7.5 RPG) and Ryan Nembhard (10.8 PPG, 9.8 APG).
Georgia has been inconsistent but dangerous, with notable wins over Florida, Kentucky, and St. John's. Freshmen Asa Newell (15.3 PPG, 6.8 RPG) and sophomore Silas Demary (13.4 PPG) lead their offense.
Key Betting Predictions:
- Georgia +6.5 (-105): Despite Gonzaga's talent, Georgia's SEC experience makes them competitive
- Newell Under 15.5 points (-135): Facing Gonzaga's 29th-ranked defense, the freshman likely stays under against experienced opposition
Analytics Perspective:
- KenPom predicts: Gonzaga 78-72
- Haslametrics projects: Gonzaga 77.94-72.01
- BartTorvik forecasts: Gonzaga 77-73
Player Props (bet365):
- Graham Ike: 16.5 points
- Asa Newell: 15.5 points
- Ryan Nembhard: 8.5 assists
While Gonzaga has the edge in experience and recent form, Georgia's SEC-tested roster should keep this competitive, making the points worth taking.