Northwestern vs. Gonzaga

Northwestern is a big dog, but a strong defensive team, second in the Big 10 in points allowed and field goal shooting defense. Northwestern did everything well in upsetting Vanderbilt 68-66 on Thursday. Northwestern allows an average of 65.1 points and has held seven opponents to 60 or fewer. The Wildcats have covered six of seven non-conference games, including a four-point loss at Notre Dame. Oddsmakers have finally been overvaluing Gonzaga with a losing spread mark the last seven contests, plus 2-4 ATS the last six times as double digit chalk. A year ago Gonzaga got bounced by #10 seed Syracuse, 63-60, in a defensive game. Look for a similar slow-paced, all-out defensive war and a close one. Play Northwestern.