Expect a high-scoring game when the No. 15 Gonzaga Bulldogs (6-1) and the No. 25 Creighton Bluejays (5-1) clash at McCarthey Athletic Center. The Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 160 points with Gonzaga opening as a 7-point favorite. Tip-off is set for 10 p.m. ET on Friday, December 1, 2017, and it can be seen on ESPN2.
Creighton Bluejays at Gonzaga Bulldogs Free Preview
The Bluejays had no trouble getting past the SIUE Cougars in their last contest, 103-66. Martin Krampelj was the top scorer from either team with 20 points on 9-for-10 shooting. Creighton dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had an offensive rebounding percentage of 25.8 (below their season average of 26.2) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.683 (above their season average of 0.574). For those same stats, SIUE recorded marks of 14.3 and 0.419, respectively.
The last time the Bulldogs played, they blew out the Incarnate Word Cardinals, 103-68. Gonzaga was led by Zach Norvell Jr. who put up 17 points and five assists. Gonzaga dominated every facet of the game. They had a turnover percentage of 11.3 (better than their season average of 15.2) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 42.9 (above their season average of 35.8). Incarnate Word had marks of 23.5 and 21.2, respectively, for those same stats.
It might turn into a high-scoring affair as two of the nations top offenses square off. Dating back to last season, Gonzaga ranks sixth with 118.4 points per 100 possessions and Creighton is 31st (113.9). Additionally, the Bluejays rank 45th in turnover percentage (16.7 percent), while the Bulldogs rank 274th in opponents turnover percentage (17.5 percent).
Of Creighton’s 5 games with betting action, four have finished over the O/U total, while 2 of Gonzaga’s 4 games have finished over the projected point total. Both teams have phenomenal straight up (SU) records (5-1 for Creighton; 6-1 for Gonzaga), but the Bluejays have the edge against the spread (ATS). Creighton is 4-1 ATS, while the Bulldogs are 2-2.
Creighton Bluejays at Gonzaga Bulldogs Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Gonzaga, ATS Winner – Gonzaga, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Bulldogs rank 117th in three pointers allowed per game (20.4) while the Bluejays rank 226th (22.5).
- Gonzaga averages 4.5 blocks per game, which ranks 52nd in the NCAA. Creighton ranks 67th in blocks allowed per game (3.0).
- Gonzaga ranks fifth in rebounds per game (41.1) while Creighton ranks 189th in rebounds allowed per game (35.5).
- The Bulldogs rank fifth in assists allowed per game (10.1) while the Bluejays rank 141st (12.9).
- Gonzaga ranks 83rd in steals per game (6.9) while Creighton ranks 193rd in steals allowed per game (6.5).
