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No. 10 Gonzaga faces Georgia in NIT semis Wednesday
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Published: 11/26/2014  at  5:11:00 AM
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GEORGIA BULLDOGS (3-1)

vs. GONZAGA BULLDOGS (4-0)

NIT Season Tip-Off Semifinal
Madison Square Garden - New York, NY
Tip-off: Wednesday, 9:30 p.m.
Line: Gonzaga -14.5, Total: 145.5

No. 10 Gonzaga looks to remain undefeated on the season as it takes on Georgia in the semifinals of the NIT Season Tip-Off on Wednesday night in New York City.

The Zags are seeking a 5-0 start for the third time in four seasons, and have been one of the most dominant teams in college basketball so far. Gonzaga (3-0 ATS) has seven players who are averaging at least nine points, with six of those guys scoring in double-figures. The school has won its past two home games by a combined 106 points, but Georgia is going to be a step up in talent compared to the other teams Gonzaga has played. Georgia (1-3 ATS) has bounced back nicely after a season-opening loss to in-state rival Georgia Tech. There is not a lot of history between these two schools, as the overall series is tied at two games, with Gonzaga winning the most recent game in 2008. Georgia has really struggled against ranked teams, going 2-19 against Top-10 schools since 2004. The Zags are 12-4 ATS versus good teams (60% to 80% win pct.) in the past two seasons, while the Georgia Bulldogs are 17-7 ATS in the past three seasons after two straight games of giving up 9 or less offensive rebounds.

Which school of Bulldogs will win ATS at Madison Square Garden? For the latest college basketball picks, check out The Platinum Sheet for all the Expert picks. The experts have begun the 2014-15 season with a bang, posting a collective 76% ATS mark (38-12) in Best Bets through Monday. All five experts are 60% ATS or better on Best Bets, led by StatFox Gary's astounding 9-1 ATS mark. StatFox Dave and StatFox Zach are 8-2 ATS, StatFox Scott is 7-3 ATS, and StatFox Brian is 6-4 ATS to open the season.

With a lot of experience and key players returning from last season, the expectations are there for Georgia to take a step in the right direction in the SEC. The team has been solid on the glass this year, ranking 50th in the nation in rebounding (41.3 RPG). The Bulldogs also rank 68th in assists (15.5 APG) and 75th in scoring (77.3 PPG), while outshooting opponents 46% FG to 38% FG. PF Marcus Thornton (14.0 PPG, 51% FG, 7.8 RPG) is very difficult to stop in the paint, as his strength makes him tough to keep off the block. The Bulldogs are a balanced team, as three other guys average at least 11.8 PPG. PF Nemanja Djurisic (13.5 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 3.3 APG), SG Kenny Gaines (12.8 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 1.5 SPG) and PG Charles Mann (11.8 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 3.5 APG) are all guys who are capable of having a big game. This balance will be key in this game, as Gonzaga is also a very balanced team, with one of the deepest rosters in college basketball.

It’s still early in the season, but the Gonzaga Bulldogs rank among the nation’s best in many statistical categories, including an NCAA-best 22.8 APG, 56% FG (4th in nation), 94.8 PPG (6th in NCAA) and 46.8 RPG (9th in nation). Kentucky transfer PF Kyle Wiltjer (13.0 PPG, 5.5 RPG) has given the Zags a player who can stretch the floor from the four position, as he is draining 46% of his threes this season. The backcourt of PG Kevin Pangos (10.3 PPG, 5.8 APG, 53% threes) and SG Gary Bell Jr. (10.8 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 44% threes) are one of the more experienced backcourts in college basketball, and both are nailing their long-range shots so far. They do a great job of complementing each other’s game, and both are tough to stop off the pick-and-roll. The leading scorer on the team, 6-foot-11 C Domantas Sabonis (14.0 PPG, 76% FG, 7.5 RPG) is a very skilled big man, just like his father, former NBA great Arvydas. Both of these teams can get out and score, so look for this game to finish Over the total. Mark Few is 59-43 Over (58%) in all neutral-court games as the Gonzaga head coach.


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