CBB
(3/25/23) 8:40pm est.
Spread: UConn -2 / Gonzaga +2
Moneyline: UConn -130 / Zags +110
Total: Over/Under 153
As good as Gonzaga’s Timme is offensively, he isn’t a very good defender. He lacks the lateral quickness and explosiveness to make a true difference. He’s 6’10, plays 31.7 minutes per game, yet averages just 1.1 blocks per game. Sanogo dominates down low with power and quickness. He’s built like an NFL Linebacker if you haven’t noticed. It’s a rough match-up for Timme on the low post. Timme is a little longer than Sanogo, but that’s usually the case when Sanogo steps on the floor. He’s gone over the prop in 4 straight games and UCLA’s low post scorer just dropped 29 points on Timme’s head. Timme doesn’t have much experience against elite Big play either. Playing in the West Coast conference doesn’t provide that challenge. Go back and look at their non-conference schedule this year. MSU’s center led their team in scoring, Texas’s Big had 12 (averages 9ppg) on 5-7 FG, Kentucky’s Oscar Tshiewbwe had 20, Purdue’s Edey had 23, and Xavier’s Jack Nunge had 25. Most teams help down low and double Sanogo but you just can’t do that right now. They’re hitting 3’s like it’s nobodies business. Shooting 30/67 (44.8%) from long range across their last 3 games. The Beast continues to roll.
Yes, both Bigs should fare well in this one. Timme might not go for 36 like he did against UCLA, or even 28 like he did against TCU, but he’s going to get plenty of work. This UConn team defends the perimeter extremely well and Gonzaga prefers to work down low through Timme. Sanogo isn’t a bad defender, and he’s incredibly difficult to back down but Timme can score in a plethora of ways. Sanogo’s good enough to the point where UConn won’t have to help and they really can’t considering Gonzaga shoots 38.7% from deep (8th best). This is where Timme’s length comes into play. His ability to get to his spot and get off clean looks is unparalleled in the College Game. The man plays a very old school style of basketball. Sanogo’s back-up Clingan can get a little handsy at times too. Despite being a 7’2 tower, he brings his hands down and lets elite scorers draw fouls. Gonzaga is very well coached and that’s something they’ll exploit. Going back to the non-conference, while he allowed a lot of points, he still scores. Scoring 22 on MSU (9-14 FG), 22 (9-13) on Kentucky, 18 on Texas (7-10), 22 on Purdue (10-16). This is Gonzaga’s guy, and they’ll continue to feed him as long as they’re dancing.
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