Who beats Gonzaga in the West region?

Gonzaga will seek redemption again this year as a number one seed but I see a bump in the road just getting out of the west region.

They’ll meet a very tough Arkansas team lead by 3rd team all American JD Note and Jaylin Williams who already have elite eight appearances under their belts.

Gonzaga’s flaw has been there toughness.

In three of their four losses dating back to the Baylor game, the refs called a loose whistle and allowed a physical game but Gonzaga failed to match their opponents toughness Baylor, Duke SMC most recently. Zags want to play fast, but when they have to grind against the physical opponent they do not always rise to the occasion. And last year‘s Baylor team reminds me of this year‘s Texas tech team.

Red Raiders are arguably the best defensive team in the country and play physical.Which got them wins over Kansas,Baylor, Tennessee, and Texas.

If the refs have a loose whistle again and allow a physical game against Texas Tech, Gonzaga will have a tough time again this year.

My honest opinion I see no way Gonzaga doesn't win this region. And to be honest I am not really a fan of this Gonzaga team but I see no threat to them here. 

Duke will again

UConn has a decent change IMO

This Zags team is just like any other from years prior....they will lose in the regional round and not make the final 4. Same story different chapter. All of the hype around them only makes it more certain tbh

@BlueDevilish

@westwing

Gonzaga has the third hardest non-conference basketball schedule this year behind Villanova and Prairieview.

Gonzaga has had the hardest non-conference over the last 5 years.

Gonzaga is 20-5 the last 5 years, which is the most wins in the tournament over that period. 

Tourney seems set for Zags vs Arizona matchup. If they both take care of business 

@vetdrm

 Gonzaga won't lose to Arkansas, because Arkansas will lose to Vermont.

@Jimmy_Cats

 Vermont's second worse offensive game of the year was against Maryland who is ranked 244 in defensive efficiency. 

They averaged .87 Points Per Play against Maryland. Their season average is 1.13 points per possession.

Their worst game offensively was against Greensboro: the 178 ranked team defensively. .85 PPP.

Providence ranked 105 in defensive efficiency held Vermont to .87 PPP

Arkansas is ranked 28 in defensive efficiency. Thats a QUANTUM LEAP.

Will Vermont break 60? They would have to have an offensive Efficiency of at least .90 to score 60 

.

@Jimmy_Cats

 You know, thats one game that worries me.

Vermont with an impeccable ats rating. Good call

@vetdrm

If Gonzaga's flaw is their toughness, idk how no one has mentioned Memphis.

They are as hot as anyone and have the bodies and talent to compete with anyone. Their D is much much improved and they're gelling at exactly the right moment. I think the Houston loss was more Houston being very motivated after getting beat by them twice during the season, and I think it humbled them. I seriously love Memphis.

On Bookmaker, Gonzaga to make Sweet 16 is - Yes (-726), No (+506). I put a small wager on that one, and I'll probably do a small ML wager on Memphis (assuming they get thru Boise St).

Texas Tech, even with their defense, will not be able to score enough points to beat Gonzaga. Gonzaga isn't invulnerable. They do lack toughness and most top tier teams will have an advantage in the paint imo. Timme has been exposed and is not explosive/athletic enough to compete at the highest level. I love Chet. Followed his game in High School. Was excited when he chose Spokane but he isn't a true big and really needs to feel out that body. A balanced team could give them fits.

@TJZags598

 I dont know man, they did have a tough non conference schedule in an attempt to build there resume

and thats where there loses came from. Dont get me wrong .Nothing against them. A Very talented team.

But again, I think theres a reason why they have not won the title as a top seed. 

NCAA Ranking #19 Rating 10.3

ESPN power rank 79 SOR 8

ppmbryan

Love Memphis

@StumpTownStu

 Trying to figure out if this is there year or not. Thinking out loud on the forum trying to convince myself that it isnt, thats all.

So many upsets this year and feel tourney is truly wide open. Could be chalky even picking two ones this year

@vetdrm

 Gonzaga has played the most neutral court games in the NCAA tournament-

So i take away home games-

Gonzaga on the road Points Per Possession offene:1.135 Defense: .902

Memphis: Offense-1.00 Defense-.992

Thats average

Memphis lost to Georgia, Ole miss, and Murray state., teams that would lose by 20 to Gonzaga

If boise gets through I think they’ll give Gonzaga a fight. Also think UConn can and will beat them

@westwing

 ?

@westwing

 You said " is that what the press says"

Not sure what that means...

@TJZags598

And they've vastly improved since those losses. Analytics can say they still suck all day, but eye test says otherwise

@ppmbryan

 My last eye test of Memphis is a 20 point loss to Houston, a team worse than Gonzaga.

My eyes are still bleeding.

Gonzaga is better defensively than Houston.

Gonzaga is ALOT better than Houston Offensively.

Gonzaga is also better than the beginning of the season, especially shooting the 3. ( eye test) ( analytical test )

going to be a good tournament where the best team does not always win. you have to extremely LUCKY, especially this year.

I'd love to see it but I don't think so. They're front court is weak. If shots aren't dropping, and they have to run through Time, it could be a problem. He was exposed in the national championship, and in games this season. Chet's my guy but Gonzaga lacks the front court to win it all imo.

I hope they do it though. I would be very happy for the Gaels as well but I don't see that happening.

No one.  They win it all this time 

@TJZags598

Must not have seen them beat Houston twice at the back-end of the season. 

Gonna be disappointing when Chet breaks in half cuz the Memphis bigs WILL fuck him up down low.

If you're eyes are bleeding, you should get to a doctor tho

They should move Gonzaga to the Pac-13