Gonzaga at North Carolina

Gonzaga is off to a good start, 4-0, after the departure of Morrison, and Batista, many expected Gonzaga to fall a bit this year. The problem Gonzaga faces here are twofold. This young group, which is talented for sure, has not logged any minutes against a meaningful opponent except for Raivio, and Mallon. The speed of the game and athleticism is going to be a tremendous upgrade from anything they have seen. Raivio is a good PG, but he has shown a tendency to wear down from playing against bigger physical opponents, which isn't usually the case in the West Coast conference, but will be here. North Carolina relied on Frasor and Ginyard last year at guard, but by recruitting lawson (9.3ppg), last year's duo has been relagated to about 15 minutes a game. Brandon Wright has been explosive 14.3 ppg and 5.3 rpg, and then there's Wayne Ellington 14 ppg. This is a deep Carolina team, which is more athletic, more talented, and quicker at all 5 positions on the floor. This line is held dow n for 2 reasons. Gonzaga has a reputation now, and also coming in at 4-0. The other reason is Winthrop had Carolina on the ropes, so they appear vulnerable. That was a veteran very skilled Winthrop team, and they played the type of game that a vetran skilled team can vs Carolina, slow and slower. That won't be the case tonight. Both these teams are predicated on running the floor, and that simply is a disaster against Carolina! The oddsmakers have set the total at 166. That means the game is played in the 80s. it also means taking the spread which is 8, and the expected outcome is 87-79 Carolina. Why is this dangerous for Gonzaga? When Carolina scored 80+ last year, they were 14-1 ATS, so in this type of game, with a deep quick, athletic, skilled team, it is a deadly proposition!