NCAA Final Four Betting Preview: UCLA Bruins vs. Gonzaga Bulldogs

The second Final Four game of the NCAA Tournament will feature the UCLA Bruins against the Gonzaga Bulldogs. Undefeated Gonzaga was expected to get to the Final Four, while this run from UCLA came out of nowhere.

The Bruins played in a First Four game against Michigan State, and they needed overtime to advance. Since that time, UCLA has been building up momentum and pulling off stunning upsets.

Gonzaga is the number one overall seed in the NCAA Tournament, and they have played like it. The Bulldogs have won every game by at least 16 points during this run and are historic favorites on Saturday. 

Oddsmakers favor the Bulldogs by 14.5 points over UCLA Bruins in the second Final Four game on Saturday night. 

Bruins Have to Control Pace

UCLA only has a chance on Saturday night if they can control the pace and slow down the mighty Bulldogs. That’s not easy to do, but look for UCLA to walk the ball up the court and try to milk the clock on offense.

The Bruins are averaging just 73 points per game this season while holding opponents to 66 points per night. UCLA would love for this game to be played in the 60s, while Gonzaga will try to push it to the 80s.

Guard Johnny Juzang leads the team with 15.5 points per game, and he carried the Bruins in the East Regional Final. 

Few Has Many Weapons

Gonzaga head coach Mark Few has had some terrific teams in Spokane, but this is by far his best roster. This Bulldogs team is loaded with offensive weapons, and that is why this team is averaging more than 92 points per game this season. 

Gonzaga has scored at least 85 points in all four games in the NCAA Tournament, and these points come in a hurry. With the Bulldogs being able to score from a variety of different positions, opposing teams simply don’t know how to defend them. 

Corey Kispert was a First Team All-American this season, but Drew Timme leads the team with 19 points per game. These two players set the tone for Gonzaga, but this roster is loaded with other offensive weapons. 

Bulldogs Blow Out Bruins

A 14.5-point spread is the largest in the history of the Final Four, and it highlights how dominant the Gonzaga Bulldogs have been all season long. UCLA has been on a remarkable run through the NCAA Tournament, but they are facing an impossible task on Saturday.

The Bruins have a chance to keep this game close for a while if they control the pace, but that’s not easy to do against Gonzaga. UCLA doesn’t have the depth to sustain a real threat, and Gonzaga will eventually take over this game.

Picking a team to win a semifinal game by more than 14 points doesn’t feel right, but that’s what will happen. Bet the Gonzaga Bulldogs -14.5 as they blow out the UCLA Bruins on Saturday night.

BETTING PICK: Gonzaga Bulldogs (-14.5)

Be sure to check out all of our NCAA picks and betting options!