Basketball betting: Gonzaga, Baylor meet in Las Vegas to tip off 2022-23 season
The Zags and Bears will face off in a highly anticipated matchup on Nov. 11
Mark your calendars for Nov. 11, college basketball fans. That's when the Gonzaga Bulldogs and Baylor Bears will tip off the 2022-23 season in a highly anticipated matchup in Las Vegas.
The Zags are coming off a 28-4 season that saw them reach the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. They return four starters from that team, including All-American Drew Timme.
The Bears are also coming off a strong season, having won the Big 12 Tournament and reaching the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament. They return three starters from that team, including All-American LJ Cryer.
This matchup is sure to be a close one, as both teams are ranked in the top 10 of the preseason polls. The Zags are ranked No. 2 by the AP and No. 3 by the Coaches Poll, while the Bears are ranked No. 5 by the AP and No. 4 by the Coaches Poll.
The game will be played at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and will be televised on ESPN.
Gonzaga Bulldogs
The Gonzaga Bulldogs are one of the most successful college basketball programs in the country. They have won 20 conference championships and have reached the NCAA Tournament 23 times, including the past 16 seasons.
The Bulldogs are led by All-American Drew Timme, who is one of the best players in the country. Timme averaged 18.4 points and 6.8 rebounds per game last season.
Other key players for the Bulldogs include Julian Strawther, Rasir Bolton, and Chet Holmgren. Strawther is a 6'7" wing who is a versatile scorer. Bolton is a 6'3" guard who is a good shooter and passer. Holmgren is a 7'0" center who is one of the most highly touted recruits in the country.
Baylor Bears
The Baylor Bears are also one of the most successful college basketball programs in the country. They have won three national championships, including one in 2021, and have reached the NCAA Tournament 26 times, including the past 19 seasons.
The Bears are led by All-American LJ Cryer, who is one of the best guards in the country. Cryer averaged 13.1 points and 4.8 assists per game last season.
Other key players for the Bears include Adam Flagler, Matthew Mayer, and Flo Thamba. Flagler is a 6'3" guard who is a good shooter and passer. Mayer is a 6'9" forward who is a good scorer and rebounder. Thamba is a 6'8" center who is a good defender and rebounder.
Prediction
This is a tough matchup to predict, as both teams are very talented. However, I give the slight edge to the Gonzaga Bulldogs. They have more experience and depth, and they are playing at a neutral site.
My prediction: Gonzaga Bulldogs 75, Baylor Bears 70
