Gonzaga Bulldogs vs
Washington St. CougarsPredictions & Preview

Gonzaga Bulldogs Set to Face Washington State Cougars in Highly-Anticipated West Coast Conference Showdown

The 2024-25 college basketball season continues with a much-anticipated West Coast Conference battle between the Gonzaga Bulldogs and the Washington State Cougars on Wednesday, February 19 at Beasley Coliseum in Pullman, WA. This will be the second meeting between the two teams this season, with Gonzaga securing a victory over Washington State in January. Gonzaga is currently the betting favorite with a -13.5 opening line that has not moved. Stay tuned for more updates and analyses on this matchup, as well as other NCAAB picks for Wednesday night.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Bulldogs -925 | Cougars +605
• Spread: Bulldogs -13.5 (-110) | Cougars +13.5 (-110)
• Total: Over/Under 163.5 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Gonzaga will win straight-up is 90%.

Gonzaga vs Washington St. Stats

Gonzaga Bulldogs

The Gonzaga Bulldogs are on a four-game winning streak, with their latest victory being a dominant 107-55 win over Pepperdine. They ended a four-game Against The Spread losing streak by covering a 25.5-point spread easily. They shot 57.0% from the field and made 12 three-pointers in the game. Senior guard Khalif Battle led the team with 24 points, while senior guard Nolan Hickman contributed 18 points and seven assists. The Bulldogs have five players averaging double figures in points per game, with senior forward Graham Ike leading with 16.7 points and 7.4 rebounds per game. Gonzaga's offensive efficiency is ranked 11th in the nation, scoring 124.3 points per 100 possessions, while their defensive efficiency is 45th, allowing 99.3 points in return. They currently sit at No. 10 in the NCAA NET Rankings and have a power ranking of 4. In terms of offensive statistics, they rank highly in field goal percentage, free throw percentage, and assists, while defensively they have solid numbers in opponent field goal percentage and three-point percentage. Overall, the Bulldogs are performing well on both ends of the court and have a strong record of 20-7 this season.

Washington St. Cougars Analysis

The Washington State Cougars have struggled in their recent games, with six losses in their last seven matchups. Despite a victory over Pepperdine, they suffered a significant defeat against Saint Mary's due to their inability to handle the opposing team's defense. LeJuan Watts and Isaiah Watts had notable performances, but the team as a whole struggled on offense and defense. Currently ranked 98th in the NCAA NET Rankings, the Cougars have shown strength in scoring but weakness in defense. The team's statistics show proficiency in field goal and free throw shooting, as well as three-pointers, but they struggle in rebounding and defensive assists. Overall, the Cougars have a long way to go in improving their performance and turning their season around.

Cougars' Defensive Struggles Cast Doubt on Ability to Compete Against Zags

The Cougars have faced challenges in maintaining a strong defensive presence throughout the current season, raising doubts about their ability to compete closely against the Zags. Effective defensive strategies are essential to keeping pace with Gonzaga's high-performing offensive lineup. While the Zags may not excel in defensive play, their offensive capabilities are expected to dominate this match, indicating a favorable prognosis for their ability to outscore their opponents. Washington State has shown proficiency in defending against 3-point shots, yet their weaknesses in interior defense have been evident thus far. Gonzaga's offensive strategy heavily relies on penetrating the paint, boasting a 57.7% success rate in 2-point field goals. The fast-paced playing styles of both teams further support the notion that Washington State is unlikely to defy expectations and secure a victory in this upcoming match.

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