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Gonzaga is preparing for a big matchup against UCLA next week, so will it be putting 100 percent of its energy into this game?

Also check on these NCAAB betting lines.

Braves are Perfect

The Alcorn State Braves are 0-3, but that’s not the number we care about. They are 3-0 against the spread, which is a key number.

They covered a 28-point line against the Washington State Cougars in an 85-67 loss to open the season. The Braves then covered a 16½- and seven-point spread in subsequent games to Seattle and Portland.

Gonzaga is a massive rise in class, but the Braves get a big advantage. It could be enough, but they will need to muster the early barrage. Luckily for Alcorn State, the Bulldogs are 190th in three-point percentage from their first two games, so the big shots haven’t been falling.

Alcorn State defends the three well enough, but it’s the offensive numbers that are worrying. It ranks outside the top 270 in points per game, field goal percentage, three-point shooting and rebounds.

Playing its first four games on the road isn’t an easy schedule for the Southwestern Athletic Conference team, so our only worry is energy levels.

We don’t give Alcorn State any chance of winning the game, and neither do the NCAA basketball odds. However, we don’t doubt its ability to cover the sizable spread at McCarthey Athletic Center.

Gonzaga Doing Business

We haven’t been amazed with the Gonzaga Bulldogs, but the big test comes when they play No. 2 UCLA. In the meantime, they will beat teams like Alcorn State, but will they cover the spread?

Gonzaga is used to facing big spreads. It has already faced a -40 spread, which ended in a failed cover. The Bulldogs defeated Dixie State 97-63, falling short of covering the spread by six points.

The Gonzaga Bulldogs are good at basketball send tweet https://t.co/aKSwHy5o4N

— Dominic Stearn (@dmstearn19) November 14, 2021

They covered the spread against Texas with an 86-74 win. Betting online markets had the Bulldogs as only -7 to beat Texas, and although it was close, Gonzaga was always going to have the edge.

Drew Timme, who scored 37 points against the top-five Longhorns, is a leading pick for Player of the Year.

“That’s a great team win, man,” Timme told ESPN. “That’s a tough team.”

“I always have fun when I play. It’s a joy to play this game. Being able to be in a pressure situation is a privilege. We are grateful to play high-level games.”

Gonzaga covered three consecutive double-figure spreads last season. The current roster isn’t much different, so bettors could expect a similar result.

Alcorn State Braves vs Gonzaga Bulldogs

Covering a 39-point isn’t easy, even for the best team in the country. Therefore, we’re taking Alcorn State to remain perfect against the spread.

The Braves have enough to keep it within the margin and we don’t think Gonzaga will be trying to put up a big number. It’s focus is on UCLA, so it might take this game slightly easier than usual.

The Bulldogs are still the hot favorites to win the NCAA Tournament and they’ll win this game, but we’re backing what the numbers tell us. Gonzaga failed to cover a similar spread against Dixie State, and Alcorn State has yet to lose a spread.

It will take some guts from bettors, but take Alcorn State +39.

Pick: Alcorn State +39