Gonzaga vs. Florida State prediction: Our NCAA tournament game breakdown

March 28, 2019 at 12:49AM

This a rematch of FSU's upset of Gonzaga in last year's Sweet 16. Gonzaga is a powerhouse that plays questionable competition; FSU has made a second straight Sweet 16 while winning 29 games playing in the ACC. Gonzaga is the only team that has beaten a fully healthy Duke; FSU lost to Duke by two and 10 points.

Matchup to watch: Gonzaga's Rui Hachimura vs. Christ Koumadje. The 6-8 Hachimura is excellent at finishing near the rim. The 7-4 Koumadje represents an increased degree of difficulty for any Zag in the paint.

X-factor: Zags junior Killian Tillie, a 6-10 forward, is recovering from injury but showed signs of aggressiveness in the first two rounds.

Three stars to watch

1. Brandon Clarke, Gonzaga: The junior forward is one of the best all-around players in college basketball.

2. Mfiandu Kabengele, FSU: The forward is his team's leading scorer and has 43 tourney points.

3. Rui Hachimura, Gonzaga: Terrific forward averages 19.7 points with a variety of post moves.

Jim's prediction

Florida State 78, Gonzaga 77. FSU has lost only two of its past 18 games — to North Carolina and Duke. FSU's size and strength will disrupt the Zags offense just enough.

Jim Souhan

about the writer

about the writer

More from Gophers

See More
card image

He played 10 years of pro ball, six of them in the Mexican League, and coached at Park of Cottage Grove.

card image