Skip to content

North Florida vs Gonzaga Prediction, Game Preview, Live Stream, Odds & Picks

Tuneup Game for No. 2 Zags

Entering the 2022-23 season, the No. 2 Gonzaga Bulldogs are expected to be a title contender once again. Gonzaga will open the season with a home game against the North Florida Ospreys, who come off an 11-20 season.

North Florida has its sights set on making a run at an NCAA Tournament bid by winning the ASUN conference. Contending with a heavyweight like Gonzaga would be a great start to the season. However, this will be a tall task as the Bulldogs return several key players.

Julian Strawther #0 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs reacts
Steph Chambers / Getty Images North America / Getty Images via AFP

Let’s check the latest college basketball odds, stats, injury reports, and college basketball lines for North Florida vs Gonzaga. We’ve got plenty of NCAA basketball odds for you to consider.

North Florida Hoping for Rebound Season

North Florida comes off a rough season, ranking 293rd in points per game and 271st in allowed points per game. The Ospreys return their top three scorers: guard Jose Placer (14.7 points), forward Carter Hendricksen (12.2 points), and guard Jarius Hicklen (12.0 points). Plus, lead rebounder Jadyn Parker returns.

Last season, North Florida had major rebounding and passing issues. The Ospreys ranked 271st in assists, 331st in turnovers, and 291st in rebounds per game. The offense must have better ball movement with fewer turnovers. Rebounds will likely be an issue once again. North Florida has an undersized roster. Standing 6-foot-10, center Parker is the tallest on the roster.

The North Florida Ospreys’ offense has a decent shot of improving. The unit featured several talented scorers last season. Placer had eight games with over 20 points. His 35-point outing against Austin Peay was his best performance.

Gonzaga a Title Contender

According to NCAA basketball odds, Gonzaga is tied for the best odds (+850) to win the national title. On paper, the Bulldogs have a stacked roster.

All-American center Drew Timme returns after averaging 18.4 points and 6.8 rebounds while shooting 58.6% from the field. NCAAB lines list Timme as the third choice (+750) to win the Wooden Award, which is given to college basketball’s most outstanding player.

Small forward Julian Strawther (11.8 points) and power forward Anton Watson (7.3 points) are also back. Plus, the backcourt is loaded with playmakers. Sharpshooter Rasir Bolton, who shot 46% on 3-pointers last season, will start at shooting guard. Second-year point guard Nolan Hickman steps into the starting role after a limited role last season.

Gonzaga landed two impactful transfers in the offseason. Former Chattanooga guard Malachi Smith (19.9 points) will provide instant offense. He could be the second-leading scorer behind Timme. In addition, center Efton Reid transferred from LSU. Reid has a limited offensive game but brings good shot-blocking and rebounding.

The Gonzaga Bulldogs will need to hit the ground running. After North Florida, Gonzaga plays Michigan State, No. 12 Texas, and No. 4 Kentucky in three consecutive games.

North Florida vs Gonzaga Game Injuries

North Florida vs Gonzaga Head-to-Head

Since joining Division 1 in 2009, North Florida has yet to face Gonzaga.

North Florida vs Gonzaga Game Information

  • Game: North Florida vs Gonzaga
  • Location: McCarthey Athletic Center, Spokane, WA
  • Day/Time: Monday, Nov. 7, 9 p.m. ET
  • North Florida vs Gonzaga Live Stream: TBS.com

North Florida vs Gonzaga Betting Lines

Team Point Spread Total Team Total
North Florida +29½ -110 O 159½  -110 O 65-115
U 65-115
Gonzaga -29½ -110 U 159½  -110 O 94½-115
U 94½-115

The odds in this chart are based on the time of publication. They are subject to change.

North Florida vs Gonzaga Prediction

Gonzaga will have a major advantage in the frontcourt. While the Bulldogs do not feature the most size, they ranked second in rebounds per game last season. Plus, Timme is poised for a massive game against North Florida. The Ospreys will be overwhelmed as Gonzaga will emphatically win with a cover.

North Florida vs Gonzaga Edge

North Florida vs Gonzaga Results

North Florida vs Gonzaga Game Summary

Featured Picks

Related News