The Texas Tech Red Raiders ousted a big fish in the Sweet 16, as they booted the Michigan Wolverines out of the Big Dance. They have a more dangerous opponent in front of them though, as Texas Tech gets the Gonzaga Bulldogs, who are demolishing teams that cross their paths in the NCAA Tournament. The last time Gonzaga and Texas Tech met in the Tournament, was back in 2005 when the Red Raiders defeated the Bulldogs 71-69. Read on for a preview of the latest meeting below.
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Betting Preview for the Texas Tech Red Raiders vs Gonzaga Bulldogs Elite 8 College Basketball Game on March 30 2019
Where: Honda Center, Anaheim
When: Saturday, March 30, 2019, 6:09 PM ET
Line: Texas Red Raiders (odds) vs. Gonzaga Bulldogs (odds) – view all NCAA Basketball lines
TV Broadcast: ESPN
Betting on the Texas Tech Red Raiders (29-6 Overall / 14-4 Conference)
The Red Raiders were Michigan’s nightmare that came true on Thursday, as they wallopped the Wolverines in a 63-44 win. It was a defensive masterclass for Texas Tech, which gave Michigan a dosage of its own medicine. The Red Raiders held their opponents to only 32.7 percent shooting from the field and forced the Wolverines to commit 14 turnovers. They limited Michigan to only 16 points at the half, while having a much easier way on offense. Jarrett Culver, in particular, had 22 points, four rebounds, and four assists, while guard Davide Moretti chipped in 15 points with three 3-pointers. Texas Tech’s defense will have to remain the same — if not tighter — against Gonzaga, which finished the regular season tops in the nation in scoring offense. The Red Raiders are ranked first in defensive efficiency by KenPom, with just 84.4 points allowed per 100 possessions.
Texas Tech is 3-0 against the spread (ATS) in its last three games, is 18-16-1 ATS on the season overall, and is 15-12-1 ATS after a win, covering 55.6% of the time.
Betting on the Gonzaga Bulldogs (33-3 Overall / 16-0 Conference)
The Bulldogs got their long-awaited revenge against the Seminoles, whom Gonzaga beat on Thursday, 72-58. Against the same team that beat them in last year’s edition of the Sweet 16, Gonzaga relied on its scary starting unit that is arguably the best in the nation. As expected, Brandon Clarke wreaked havoc that the Seminoles couldn’t handle. The San Jose State transfer had 15 points, 12 rebounds, and five blocks against Florida State, while Rui Hachimura had 17 points and four rebounds. The Bulldogs were rattled early by the peskiness of FSU, but was never seriously threatened by the ‘Noles in the second half. Clark’s presence could be the difference in the Texas Tech game, as his effectiveness on both ends of the floor could be an antidote to everything that the Red Raiders do well. The Bulldogs have an average winning margin of 21.3 points in the Big Dance thus far.
The under is 3-1 in Gonzaga’s last four games. The Bulldogs are 23-13 ATS on the season overall.
Writer’s Prediction
Gonzaga wins, 72-69.
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