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San Francisco vs. Gonzaga prediction and odds for Thursday, February 9 (Back the Bulldogs)

By Josh Yourish

Feb 2, 2023; Spokane, Washington, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Drew Timme (2) reacts after being fouled by Santa Clara Broncos center Jaden Bediako (12) in the first half at McCarthey Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 2, 2023; Spokane, Washington, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Drew Timme (2) reacts after being fouled by Santa Clara Broncos center Jaden Bediako (12) in the first half at McCarthey Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports /
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The West Coast Conference is no longer a red carpet laid out for the Gonzaga Bulldogs to waltz through to the NCAA Tournament. No. 15 Gonzaga is second in the conference at 8-2 with a 19-5 record overall. Mark Few’s team is coming off a loss to No. 15 Saint Mary’s 78-70, and are amidst their toughest conference stretch this year.

First up is the San Francisco Dons who pushed the Zags to the limit back on January 5, a 77-75 Gonzaga win. Then it’ll be BYU and Loyola Marymount who are responsible for the Zags’ other conference loss.

Though SFU gave Gonzaga all they could handle back earlier this year, they are coming off two straight losses and are double-digit underdogs on the road.

San Francisco vs. Gonzaga odds, spread and total

San Francisco vs. Gonzaga prediction and pick

Gonzaga’s name certainly carries a lot and the sportsbooks know that. That’s why they’ve been overestimated so much and are 7-15-1 against the spread this year. Though they are better as a home favorite, 4-4-1 ATS. They have a tough task to cover a 14 point spread against a good San Francisco team.

Last time they met, Drew Timme was held to just 11 points and Rasir Bolton had to lead the way with 21 points. The biggest issue in that one was Gonzaga’s lack of rebounding. They were outrebounded, 45-26. That is surprising because Gonzaga averages more rebounds per game, has a better defensive rebounding percentage and a better offensive rebounding percentage. The Zags should control the boards and control the paint, the effort was clearly lacking in the last matchup, but that won’t be the case coming off a loss today.

Despite their flaws, Gonzaga is still fourth in offensive efficiency and were able to beat San Francisco while being outrebounded by 21 because of their insane efficiency on that end. The rebounding will be more even and the Zags’ talent will win out.

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Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change