National Championship Preview: Gonzaga vs. North Carolina

Date: April 3rd 2017

TV: CBS

Tip Time: 9:20PM

Jake’s Champion: North Carolina (Duh)

Preview: Here is a simple analogy for you, new blood vs. blue blood. I am thinking this game is going to be all about experience. This is the farthest Gonzaga has ever gone in a NCAA tournament before. North Carolina is making its 20th final four, make that 20 more than Gonzaga. Both teams are clearly balanced, experienced and know how to play in the tournament. Carolina has had a tough road from the start, having to beat Arkansas, Butler, Kentucky and Oregon, all teams ranked throughout the year. Gonzaga has had to play way easier teams, Xavier and South Carolina. Both teams respectively captured their conference championships. One key stat to look at for this matchup is the rebounding category. North Carolina leads the country in offensive rebounding and rebounding margin. The battle can be anywhere on the court, down low, top of the key, outside. Here are so more matchups you have to look out for.

Carolina Big Men vs. Gonzaga Big Men

Kennedy Meeks for Carolina was solid against Oregon, he had 25 points with 11 of 13 shooting. Meanwhile Karnowski has been a soldier down low for the Zags, 13 points. Not one but two big men for Gonzaga is future NBA prospect Zach Collins had 14 points to go along with 13 rebounds against South Carolina. Whoever plays better down low will win the game. If Carolina can’t get the ball inside, they are going to have a tough time beating Gonzaga.

Season Leaders:

PPG- (GU) Nigel Williams-Goss 16.9, (UNC) Justin Jackson 18.3

RPG- (GU) Johnathan Williams 6.5, (UNC) Kennedy Meeks 9.4

APG- (GU) Nigel Williams-Goss 4.7, (UNC) Joel Berry III 3.6

Here is what Dicky V thinks about tonight’s game

Video: ESPN

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By Jake Martino