Gonzaga Favored by 14.5 in WCC Semifinal vs USF

Gonzaga favored by double digits in WCC semifinal clash with San Francisco

Key Takeaways:

• Gonzaga aims for 28th consecutive WCC title game appearance
• San Francisco faces uphill battle without key player Marcus Williams
• Betting odds heavily favor Gonzaga, with a 14.5-point spread

The West Coast Conference Tournament heats up as Gonzaga and San Francisco prepare for a high-stakes semifinal showdown. The Bulldogs enter as clear favorites, looking to extend their remarkable streak of WCC championship game appearances.

Gonzaga's path to the final seems well-paved, with oddsmakers setting them as 14.5-point favorites. This generous spread reflects not only the Bulldogs' dominant season but also the Dons' recent setback. San Francisco will be without their first-team All-WCC guard Marcus Williams, sidelined due to an NCAA rule violation.

The absence of Williams, who averaged 15.1 points and 4.3 assists per game, leaves a significant void in the Dons' lineup. This loss compounds the challenge of facing a Gonzaga team that has won the last 31 head-to-head matchups.

Despite this setback, San Francisco showed resilience in their quarterfinal victory over Washington State. Sophomore Ryan Beasley stepped up admirably, posting a career-high 29 points despite nursing an ankle injury.

For Gonzaga, the semifinal represents another step towards their 28th consecutive WCC title game appearance. Head coach Mark Few boasts an impressive 52-6 record in the conference tournament, underscoring the Bulldogs' historical dominance in this setting.

The betting markets heavily favor Gonzaga, with the moneyline set at -1450 for the Bulldogs and +810 for the Dons. The total points line sits at 153.5, suggesting oddsmakers anticipate a high-scoring affair.

Recent trends favor Gonzaga against the spread, with covers in four of their last five games. However, bettors should note that the Bulldogs have only covered in 36.8% of games where they were favored by 14.5 points or more this season.

As tip-off approaches, all eyes will be on the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas to see if Gonzaga can maintain their conference tournament supremacy or if San Francisco can orchestrate a stunning upset.