Davidson Wildcats vs Gonzaga Bulldogs Picks and Predictions November 29th 2024

Davidson Wildcats vs Gonzaga Bulldogs November 29th 2024

Betting on today’s Bulldogs and Wildcats game? Catch the action at Imperial Arena in Nassau, Bahamas, as the Wildcats hosts this showdown at 8:30 ET on ESPN2. Gonzaga comes into this non-conference matchup as the -19.5 point favorite. The over/under line currently sits at 152.5 points.

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Bulldogs vs. Wildcats Key Information

• Sport: CBB
• Teams: Gonzaga Bulldogs at Davidson Wildcats
• Where: Nassau at Imperial Arena
• Date: Friday, November 29th
• Betting Odds GNZG -19.5, GNZG -2671 | DAVID +1178 O/U 152.5

The Bulldogs Can Win If…

Gonzaga Bulldogs Recent Game/Games

Gonzaga picked up a win at home on Thursday, November 28th, defeating Indiana 89-73. The Bulldogs, who were -10.5 favorites, covered the spread in the victory. The game’s total points reached 162, going over the pre-game line of 157.5.

Gonzaga took control early, leading 57-39 at halftime. However, the second half was more competitive, with the Bulldogs scoring 32 points and allowing 34.

Gonzaga put up 89 points in their latest game, shooting 48.4% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 53.1%. They connected on 56.8% of their two-point attempts, but struggled from beyond the arc, hitting just 30% (6/20). At the free-throw line, they were nearly perfect, going 21/22 for a 95.5% success rate.

Oumar Ballo was dominant inside, shooting 84.6% (11/13) and finishing with 25 points and 4 assists. Ryan Nembhard dished out 13 assists, adding 11 points. Nolan Hickman contributed 15 points, hitting 3 of 5 from three-point range, while Khalif Battle also added 16 points despite missing all 6 of his three-point attempts.

Gonzaga’s defense gave up 73 points, allowing their opponent to shoot 48% from the field, including 56% on two-point attempts. They managed to hold them to 30% from beyond the arc, with just 6 made threes.

From the free-throw line, Gonzaga’s opponent was nearly perfect, hitting 21 of 22 attempts for 95%. The Bulldogs also allowed 13 offensive rebounds in the game.

• The Bulldogs are 2-1 ATS in their three last road games and 2-1 straight-up.
• Spanning across their last ten games as the betting favorite, the Bulldogs have gone 7-3 vs the spread. Their overall record in these games was 8-2.
• Over their last five games, the Bulldogs have an over/under record of 3-2 and are 4-1 vs. the spread.

The Wildcats Can Win If…

Davidson Wildcats Recent Game/Games

Davidson picked up a 69-58 road win over Providence on Thursday, November 28th. Entering the game as +5.5 point underdogs, the Wildcats not only pulled off the upset but also covered the spread.

Davidson took control early, leading 38-18 at halftime. While they allowed 40 points in the 2nd half, they managed to score 31 points to secure the win. The game’s total points of 127 fell short of the 136.5 O/U line.

Davidson’s offense put up 69 points in their last game, shooting 42.6% from the field. They connected on just 25% of their three-point attempts, going 6-for-24, but were more effective inside, hitting 56.7% of their two-point shots.

Connor Kochera led the way, shooting 70% from the field, while Bobby Durkin and Jayden Pierre each hit 4 threes at a 50% clip. The Wildcats also hit 81% of their free throws, going 17-for-21, and recorded 13 assists.

Davidson’s defense was on point, holding their opponent to just 58 points on 31% shooting from the field. They were particularly effective inside, where they limited the opposition to 27% shooting on two-point attempts, with only 10 makes out of 37 tries.

From beyond the arc, Davidson allowed 8 threes on 21 attempts, a 38% shooting performance. They also sent their opponent to the free-throw line 18 times, where they converted 14 for 77%. Davidson gave up 13 offensive rebounds in the game.

• The Wildcats are 2-1 ATS in their last three home games and 2-1 straight-up.
• Looking back on the team’s last three games as the underdog, the Wildcats have a straight up record of 1-2. Their record vs the spread in these games was 1-2.
• In their last three games, the Wildcats have an over/under record of 2-0 and are 2-0 vs. the spread.

The Lean

As the underdogs with a spread of +19.5, we recommend going with the Wildcats on the point spread. We not only see them covering the spread but also have a strong likelihood of winning this one outright, especially if you’re seeking a higher payout on the moneyline.

As for the total, the line is currently sitting at 152.5 and our model has the Bulldogs and Wildcats finishing with a combined 146 points. Our pick is to take the under.

Daily College Basketball Picks

After Statement Win, No. 3 Gonzaga Sets Sights on Davidson in Battle 4 Atlantis Showdown

No. 3 Gonzaga and Davidson are preparing for a high-stakes matchup in the fifth-place game of the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament, following impressive responses to early setbacks. The game, scheduled for Friday night in Paradise Island, Bahamas, promises to be a test of resilience and adaptability for both teams.

Gonzaga’s Road to Redemption

Gonzaga (6-1) entered the season with dominance, securing five consecutive wins by no less than eight points. Highlights included commanding victories over then-No. 8 Baylor and San Diego State. However, their momentum faltered in a stunning 86-78 overtime loss to West Virginia on Wednesday.

In their loss, Gonzaga struggled with shooting, managing a season-low 40% from the field, and faced their first deficit in rebounding (42-36). The Bulldogs, however, rebounded—both literally and figuratively—with a statement win over No. 14 Indiana, defeating them 89-73 on Thursday.

This victory showcased Gonzaga’s offensive prowess and renewed focus on fundamentals. Shooting improved to 48.4%, and the team reclaimed its dominance on the boards with a 42-27 rebounding advantage, including 23 second-chance points. By halftime, Gonzaga had already posted 57 points, underscoring their aggressive comeback mentality.

Key Players Shine

• Khalif Battle: Led the team with 16 points and added five rebounds.
• Michael Ajayi: Rebounded from a quiet game against West Virginia to lead with nine rebounds.
• Nolan Hickman: Scored 15 points and demonstrated growth under pressure, rebounding from a late-game turnover in the loss to West Virginia.
• Ryan Nembhard: Recorded his fifth game with double-digit assists (11 points, 13 assists), showcasing his exceptional playmaking skills.
• Contributions from Graham Ike (14 points) and Ben Gregg (13 points) further emphasized the team’s depth.

“We all wanted to make a statement,” said Ajayi. “We all contributed on the glass and gave great effort.”

Davidson’s Defensive Turnaround

Davidson (5-1) also faced adversity early in the tournament, suffering a 104-71 blowout loss to No. 24 Arizona. Despite the defeat, the Wildcats regrouped with an inspired 69-58 win over Providence, marked by a season-best defensive performance. Davidson held Providence to just 31% shooting and forced them to miss their first 10 shots, setting the tone early with a 9-0 run.

Key Performers

• Connor Kochera: Scored a game-high 22 points.
• Bobby Durkin: Added 20 points with sharp shooting and hustle.
• Reed Bailey: Delivered a double-double with 18 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists.

Head coach Matt McKillop praised his team’s resilience. “We were tough as nails and made them work for every basket,” he said. “After Arizona’s physicality wore us down, we stayed consistent tonight and even wore down Providence.”

What to Expect in the Fifth-Place Game

The upcoming game pits Gonzaga’s offensive firepower and rebounding dominance against Davidson’s disciplined defense and sharp shooters. Both teams will aim to build on their recent performances to secure a strong tournament finish.

Key Factors to Watch:

1. Gonzaga’s Depth: With six players regularly scoring in double figures, Gonzaga can exploit mismatches across positions.
2. Davidson’s Defense: If the Wildcats can replicate their defensive effort against Providence, they may disrupt Gonzaga’s offensive rhythm.
3. Rebounding Battle: Gonzaga’s ability to control the boards will be critical, especially against a Davidson team that has struggled in this area.

Coaching Strategies

• Mark Few (Gonzaga): Will look to maintain the team’s aggressive tempo while addressing lapses in physical contests like the West Virginia game.
• Matt McKillop (Davidson): Needs his team to sustain defensive intensity and limit Gonzaga’s second-chance opportunities.

Conclusion

Friday’s game is more than just a battle for fifth place—it’s a chance for both teams to demonstrate their growth and resolve. Gonzaga will aim to reaffirm its standing as a top contender, while Davidson seeks to prove its capability against elite opponents. With contrasting styles and a shared drive to finish strong, this matchup promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament.