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Gonzaga vs. Virginia live stream: Betting odds, TV channel, prediction

By Mike Phillips

SPOKANE, WASHINGTON - DECEMBER 22: Corey Kispert #24 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs passes the ball to Jalen Suggs #1 in the game against the Northwestern State Demons during the first half at McCarthey Athletic Center on December 22, 2020 in Spokane, Washington. (Photo by William Mancebo/Getty Images)
SPOKANE, WASHINGTON - DECEMBER 22: Corey Kispert #24 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs passes the ball to Jalen Suggs #1 in the game against the Northwestern State Demons during the first half at McCarthey Athletic Center on December 22, 2020 in Spokane, Washington. (Photo by William Mancebo/Getty Images) /
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Gonzaga faces a stiff non-conference test against Virginia.

One thing we have learned early in the college basketball season is that it will be incredibly difficult to stop Gonzaga. Ranked atop the polls since the preseason, the Bulldogs have run roughshod on the competition, cruising to a 6-0 start with five of the six victories coming by double-digits.

Even a two-week COVID pause couldn’t slow down the Bulldogs, who dominated no. 3 Iowa from the opening tip on Saturday. The Hawkeyes got a big night from Luka Garza but simply couldn’t slow down Gonzaga’s dynamic offense, which averages 94.7 points per game to rank fourth in the country in total offense.

Mark Few has done a good job challenging his team in non-conference play, setting up matchups against Kansas, Auburn, West Virginia and Iowa that the Bulldogs have won so far. There is one more test to come today as Gonzaga will take on the toughest defensive team it may see all season in Virginia.

This spot is going to be a tough one for the Cavaliers, who are coming off of a COVID pause of their own. Virginia got back into the swing of things with an effortless victory over William and Mary earlier this week, showcasing how dominant their Pack Line defense can be in the process.

The Tribe simply couldn’t get anything going against the Pack Line, shooting just 28 percent from the floor and 17.6 percent from beyond the arc. Dominating a mid-major is nice but Tony Bennett’s team will have to play significantly better basketball to take down Gonzaga.

This contest is also important for Gonzaga because it is their last major test before beginning conference play. A win over Virginia could start a whole new conversation about whether or not the Bulldogs will go undefeated during the regular season.

How to bet and watch Gonzaga vs. Virginia

  • Date: Saturday, Dec. 26
  • Time: 4:00 p.m. ET
  • Location: Fort Worth, TX
  • Venue: Dickies Arena
  • TV: CBS
  • Live Stream: CBS All Access
  • Line: Gonzaga -7.5 (FanDuel)
  • Prediction: Gonzaga 70, Virginia 68

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