653) Gonzaga -2 vs Over-rated Pilots, 1.5% play Yes this is a BIG game on ESPN in Portland, and every time the Zags have been expected to fall in big games, they simply deliver. I am tired of fading them. I expected them to struggle vs their tough schedule when they played Wisky, Cinncy, Oklahoma and in a horrible travel spot last week vs Illinois. Nope.
I thought this year would be the pilots year. I was very impressed last year with this team and expected big things from them since they were bringing back all of these seniors. They then go out and lose to Portland State, Idaho, Washington, etc. Against up tempo teams (total was 145 or higher) the pilots are 0-3 this year and have got blasted by 20 to the Spuds, by 35 to Washington, and by 9 to Nevada.
Over the previous 13 seasons, Portland and Gonzaga have met 27 times and the Pilots have won only once. Overall, Gonzaga has beaten Portland 12 straight times by an average of 17.3 points.
To beat Gonzaga, Portland will need Robin Smeulders, Kramer Knutson and Sikma to hold their own against Sacre and Harris. I do not see it, and think Smeulders and Knutson are simply not that good.
Bouldin and Gray lay bigtime over Campbell and Raivio.
Good Luck
