NCAAB Memphis Tigers vs. Gonzaga Bulldogs Game Preview (2022)

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Memphis Tigers vs. Gonzaga Bulldogs Game Info

Memphis Tigers (22-10, 13-5 AAC) vs. Gonzaga Bulldogs (27-3, 13-1 West Coast)

Date: Saturday, Mar. 19, 2022
Start Time: 9:40 p.m. ET
Location: Moda Center at the Rose Quarter - Portland, OR
Coverage: TBS
Last Meeting: January 31, 2015 - Gonzaga defeated Memphis 82-64 in Spokane.

Memphis vs. Gonzaga Betting Odds

Odds courtesy of BetMGM

Moneyline: MEM: (+475) | MEM: (-714)
Point Spread: MEM: +10.5 (-110) | GON: -10.5 (-110)
Total: 154.5 - Over: (-110) | Under: (-110)

Betting Trends

Memphis 2021-22 Betting Trends: 16-15-1 ATS; 16-16 to the Over
Gonzaga 2021-22 Betting Trends: 15-13-2 ATS; 13-17 to the Over
Memphis is 16-5 ATS in its last 21 games as underdogs.
Memphis is 4-1 ATS in its last five games.
Memphis is 9-3 ATS in its last 12 neutral site games.
The under is 5-1 in Memphis’ last six NCAA Tournament games.
Gonzaga is 0-3-1 ATS in its last four games as favorites.
Gonzaga is 15-5-2 ATS in its last 22 games following a straight up win of more than 20 points.
The under is 4-1 in Gonzaga’s last five games against teams with a winning record.
The under is 7-3 in Gonzaga’s last ten games as favorites.

Overview

Though this matchup between No. 1 Gonzaga and No. 9 Memphis is considered an upset based on seeding, the Bulldogs and Tigers were favored in their opening-round games. If you like games with NBA talent, this is a game to watch, headlined by the battle between two potential lottery picks in Gonzaga’s Chet Holmgren and Memphis’ Jalen Duren. And while Memphis underperformed this season relative to its preseason expectations, this is still a matchup up two top 12 teams in the AP Poll to begin the season.

Memphis Tigers Betting Preview

When analyzing this game, bettors must decide if Memphis is truly over its early-season slump or if this is still a team that has flaws. The Tigers’ NCAA Tournament chances were an afterthought when they started the season 9-8, but a 13-2 record in their last 15 games has made many believers again. That 13-2 stretch includes two double-digit wins over Houston.

Memphis’s opening-round win over Boise State was a microcosm of its season. The Tigers played 20 excellent minutes in the first half, followed by 20 erratic minutes in the second half. Boise State came into the game having never trailed by more than 13 points all season, but Memphis blitzed the Broncos early en route to a 19-point halftime lead. The Tigers raced out to a big lead because of their elite interior defense, which held Boise State to 3-for-13 shooting from 2-point range in the first half. In addition, they out-rebounded the Broncos 39-30 for the game and held Boise State to 28.6% shooting from 3-point range.

Gonzaga Bulldogs Betting Preview

For about 30 minutes, it looked like another No. 16 seed could make history as Georgia State led Gonzaga in the second half. However, the Bulldogs eventually pulled away with a 24-1 run, amid three Panthers (Jalen Thomas, Ja’Heim Hudson, Kaleb Scott) fouling out. The foul trouble forced Georgia State to go deep into its bench, epitomized by needing to use Chien-Hao Ma, who had only appeared in eight games prior.

The Bulldogs have won 20 of their last 21 games but will want to improve its free-throw shooting if they wish to continue their winning ways. Gonzaga went 9-for-19 from the foul line in the first half and 16-for-30 for the game.

Memphis Tigers vs. Gonzaga Bulldogs Betting Pick and Prediction

While Gonzaga’s performance early against Georgia State was not what one would expect from the overall No. 1 seed, there is more to be concerned about with Memphis entering this matchup. The Tigers scored 38 first-half points on a usually stout Boise State defense, but many of those resulted from second-chance points or points off turnovers. That is a dangerous way to live against a solid rebounding team in Gonzaga (22nd in offensive rebounding percentage allowed) and one that does not turn the ball over often (34th in turnover percentage).

In addition, Memphis’ 15 turnovers are a concern considering its game against Boise State did not feature many possessions. That is especially concerning entering this matchup, considering Memphis point guard Alex Lomax was seen limping for much of the second half. Lomax and head coach Penny Hardaway have a special relationship considering Hardaway coached Lomax in high school. However, if Lomax plays this game at less than 100%, Memphis has no chance to keep up with Gonzaga on the scoreboard.

Memphis’ top-20 2-point defense will keep them in the game and help neutralize the scoring potential of Chet Holmgren and Drew Timme. Still, Gonzaga’s guards will be the difference, and their advantage is magnified due to Lomax’s injury.

Pick: Gonzaga -10.5 (-110 at BetMGM)

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Mike Spector is a featured writer at BettingPros. For more from Mike, check out his archive and follow him @MikeSpector01.