NCAA Elite 8 – Gonzaga Bulldogs vs. USC Trojans – injuries, odds, and more
Ed Stein
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PNWS presents what you need to know for the Elite Eight matchup between Gonzaga and the USC Trojans.
ZagsNation will have to leave work early as this matchup starts before the afternoon rush home.
Who: USC Trojans (22-8) vs Gonzaga Bulldogs (29-0)
Where: Lucas Oil Stadium – Indianapolis, IN.
When: Tuesday, March 30, 2021 – 4:15 p.m. PDT.
TV: TBS. Announcers: Kevin Harlan, Dan Bonner, Dana Jacobson.
Line: Gonzaga -9. Over/Under: 153.5 (Odds Shark).
Injuries: Gonzaga – No injuries reported. USC – No injuries reported.
Interesting Trends: Gonzaga is undefeated this year (29-0) but only slightly over .500 against the spread (15-12-2). They have won 21 of their last 25 and 12 straight on neutral courts. The Zags have also won nine straight against Pac-12 teams.
After a late February stumble, USC is on a roll winning six of their last seven. They are also 3-2 against ranked teams in 2020-21. The Trojans defense has been stingy this season, allowing an average of 64.5 points-per-game.
So far in the Tournament
Round of 64: Gonzaga 98 – Norfolk State Spartans 55
The Spartans came out fierce and, for maybe two minutes, held the lead. Corey Kispert lit a fire under his teammates as his three-pointers rained all over the court. He finished the game with 23 points and five boards.
Round of 32: Gonzaga 87 – Oklahoma Sooners 71
Where Kispert was the first-round hero, Drew Timme wore the cape for the second round as the Zags defeat Oklahoma He had 14 points in the first half on his way to a career-high 30. Timme was everywhere, and the Oklahoma Sooners could do nothing with him.
As a side note, this was the first time all season that Gonzaga shot below 50 percent from the floor this season. They still scored 87 points.
Round of 16: Gonzaga 83 – Creighton Blue Jays 65.
Gonzaga scored early and often pulling out to a 27-20 lead eight-and-a-half minutes into the game Creighton tried to come back but the closest they got was three points. The Zags pulled away eventually leading by 25 in the second half.
The Spokane Stache, Drew Timme led all scorers with 22 points. He also chipped in six boards and four dimes. Corey Kispert (12), Andrew Nembhard (17), and Joel Ayayi (13) also scored in double figures.
Outlook
It’s the Elite 8. After winning the West Coast Conference Championship and their first three NCAA Tournament games, the Zags face a tough challenge from USC. The Trojans are 4-1 against ranked opponents this season. Playing the top-ranked Gonzaga Bulldogs doesn’t scare them.
In their Sweet 16 game with Oregon, the Trojans took a lead midway through the first half and never looked back. Guards Tahj Eaddy and Isaiah White combined for 42 of USC’s 82 points. The Trojans’ big weapon is Evan Mobley. He’s the Pac-12 Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year.
Meanwhile, Gonzaga’s been clicking on all cylinders. This season, the Zags scored 92.1 points-per-game. In 10 of their last 11, GU scored under 82 points once.
Related Story: Chatting about Drew Timme
Get ready for a matchup between a high-flying offense and a tough defense. Even better is the subplot. The battle in the paint between centers Timme and Mobley will be epic.