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No. 6 Gonzaga and No. 8 Baylor Clash in Season Opener

Baylor and Gonzaga will both be trying to pick up a win when they battle at Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena.

(Photo by Getty Images) Ryan Nembhard

Baylor (0-0) at Gonzaga (0-0)

  • When: Nov 4 2024, 12:30 PM
  • Where: Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena, Spokane, WA, USA
  • Where to watch: ESPN2

Game Odds, Spread, Moneyline & Total

Baylor (#8) @ Gonzaga (#6)
Moneyline

Baylor (#8)   +195
Gonzaga (#6)   -235

Baylor (#8) @ Gonzaga (#6)
Point Spread

Baylor (#8)   6.0 (-110)
Gonzaga (#6)   -6.0 (-110)

Baylor (#8) @ Gonzaga (#6)
Total

Over   157.0 (-110)
Under   157.0 (-110)

Team Stats

Baylor   Gonzaga
0-0 Record 0-0
Away & Home
ATS
O/U

Last Matchup:
BAY 64-63, December 2nd, 2022

Game Preview

Gonzaga is once again embracing a challenging nonconference schedule, and this season is no exception. The No. 6 Bulldogs, renowned for reaching the NCAA Tournament’s Sweet 16 in nine consecutive years, are set to face off against No. 8 Baylor on Monday night in Spokane, Washington. This matchup is a rematch of the 2021 NCAA championship game, where Baylor triumphed 86-70—a detail that adds extra intrigue for bettors considering the historical context.

For those looking to place wagers, this early-season clash between two top-10 teams offers a prime opportunity. Gonzaga guard Nolan Hickman, who scored 19 points in just 21 minutes during a recent 109-52 exhibition win over Warner Pacific, expressed his eagerness for the showdown. "We’re fired up and ready to bring energy," Hickman said. His confidence could signal a strong performance, making player prop bets on him worth considering.

Gonzaga’s preparation included a 96-93 exhibition loss to USC, where head coach Mark Few experimented with different lineups. "We were shuffling guys in and out," Few mentioned, highlighting the team’s depth—a factor that might influence point spreads and over/under totals. With a roster loaded with talent like power forward Graham Ike and guard Ryan Nembhard—both on the Naismith Player of the Year watch list—the Bulldogs present a formidable challenge.

On the other side, Baylor enters the game having lost four starters from last season’s squad that exited in the NCAA Tournament’s Round of 32. However, the Bears have reloaded with key transfers like Norchad Omier from Miami and Jeremy Roach from Duke, both featured on national award watch lists. Baylor head coach Scott Drew acknowledged the advantage Gonzaga has with its returning players but remains optimistic about his team’s prospects.

For gamblers, Baylor’s recent roster changes add an element of unpredictability. The Bears are also slated to face No. 16 Arkansas in the opening week, suggesting a grueling schedule that could impact their performance. Drew pointed out that tough early-season matchups are beneficial, stating that NCAA metrics favor teams that face quality competition—a factor to consider when evaluating futures bets on Baylor.

This high-stakes opener is more than just a rematch; it’s a battle between two programs unafraid to test themselves early, which could lead to a high-scoring affair. Bettors might find value in betting the over, given both teams’ offensive capabilities. Additionally, the experience gap highlighted by Drew could influence the game’s outcome, making Gonzaga an attractive option against the spread.

In summary, Monday night’s game is not only a marquee matchup for college basketball fans but also a compelling event for sports bettors. With star players, strategic depth, and a history between the teams, this game offers multiple angles for wagering—from point spreads and over/unders to player performances. Keep an eye on lineup announcements and any late-breaking news that could sway betting lines before tip-off.

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NCAA Basketball Parlay Picks & Predictions

Final Score: Gonzaga 84-76
Expert Pick: Gonzaga -6 & Over 157
A $100 Parlay Bet will return $364

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