I think Gonzaga is going to pull off the upset (although it shouldn't really be considered one if they win). Much has been made of the matchup problems North Carolina's big men Kennedy Meeks (6-10, 260) and Isaiah Hicks (6-9, 235) pose for their opponents, which has mostly been the case to this point, especially against Oregon. Gonzaga has 7 foot players in their rotation, Przemek Karnowski (7-1, 300) and Zach Collins (7-0, 230), as well as 6-10 forward Killian Tillie. If anything, these matchups actually favor Gonzaga, especially Karnowski, who is not only a big bruiser but also a highly skilled passer.
To me the game will come down to the potential matchup between UNC's Justin Jackson (6-8, 200) and Gonzaga's Johnathan Williams (6-9, 228). Since both teams have great guards, whichever of these two wing players has a bigger impact stretching the floor will determine the outcome. Jackson is a great player, but with the way Williams has played to this point, I like him in that matchup, and I think he will key a Gonzaga victory.
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Edited by LordOf27Donuts: 6/30/2024 1:57:29 AM[u] [/u]