Gonzaga Bulldogs @ St. Johns Red Storm NCAA Tournament Prediction

Gonzaga Bulldogs @ St. Johns Red Storm NCAA Tournament Prediction: These two teams took an interesting path to the tournament this season. The world was expected of the Bulldogs despite losing their best player, senior Matt Bouldin. Despite some heavy hitters returning key players, the Bulldogs were ranked 13th in the Nation to start the season, and a WCC conference title was a given.

Unranked San Diego State beat them early, and Kansas State destroyed them 81-64, and suddenly people were questioning the Zags. Three straight losses to start December, #21 Illinois, unranked Washington State, and a close loss to #23 Notre Dame really flipped the Zags’ season upside down. But they’d beat #9 Baylor and start off their conference season strong. Then they lost three straight near the end of January, and again, things were looking down for Gonzaga. An 11-1 end to the season and a win over conference foe St. Mary’s College in the WCC Championship game might be just what Gonzaga needed to realize their potential and do what they’ve always done, make noise as a double-digit seed in the Big Dance.

But they have a tough draw in St. Johns, a team with multiple personalities and lightening quick guards. St. Johns will lose back to back games to Saint Bonaventure and Fordham then beat Duke, Connecticut, Pittsburgh, and Villanova down the stretch. This Red Storm team can beat anybody in the nation.

I said that they had multiple personalities – well, mostly they can struggle in situations where focus isn’t integral. This is not one of those situations. This is the perfect place for St. Johns to play their best basketball. This is the stage these kids thrive on. I have to give the nod to Dwight Hardy and company.

(11) Gonzaga Bulldogs @ (6) St. Johns Red Storm (-1.5) (3/17) (TBS)