We’ve seen plenty of upsets this March, but none occurred to set up this matchup in the West Region between the top-seeded Gonzaga Bulldogs and fourth-seeded Arkansas Razorbacks. This will be the first game of the Sweet Sixteen, tipping off at 7:09 p.m. ET on Thursday, March 24.
While both schools were projected to make it this far, they’ve been certainly tested along the way. Which one will come out on top here and advance to the Elite 8?
Let’s take a closer look at this Gonzaga vs Arkansas matchup, giving you the best odds and bets to place.
Gonzaga vs Arkansas Odds
Gonzaga vs Arkansas March Madness odds are current as of Monday, March 21, at 9 a.m. ET via Caesars Sportsbook.
- Moneyline: Gonzaga (-420) vs Arkansas (+320)
- Spread: Gonzaga -8.5 (-110) vs Arkansas +8.5 (-110)
- Over/Under: Over 154.5 (-110) / Under 149.5 (-110)
- Implied Score: Gonzaga 81.5, Arkansas 73
Basketball Betting Play of the Day
Slam home your basketball bets with BetMGM’s welcome offer: New BetMGM Sportsbook customers can bet $10 to win $200 in free bets.
Make a $10 moneyline bet on any game. If either team makes a three-point basket, you’ll win!
🏀 NBA Bet $10, Win $200: .
🏀 College Basketball Bet $10, Win $200: Click here and use promo code GAMEDAYCBB.
Read Anthony Cervino’s hands-on BetMGM Sportsbook review to learn more.
🤔 Want a different BetMGM welcome offer? New users can instead get up to $1,000 bonus bets with code GAMEDAY. 👇
Gonzaga vs Arkansas Prediction
I previously discussed how Memphis was a bad matchup for Gonzaga with their size and athleticism. This proved to be true, creating a tough matchup for 40 minutes.
In the end, the Bulldogs got the four-point win thanks to late-game heroics from Andrew Nembhard, who scored 10 of the Zags’ final 14 points.
Arkansas, on the other hand, used their superior talent to go through Vermont and New Mexico State. The Razorbacks continue to make mistakes (like most SEC teams), but it hasn’t cost them yet.
However, Arkansas will be challenged here by the top offense in the nation. The Razorbacks must limit their turnovers and play sound defense in order to win, which I don’t believe they can do for 40 minutes.
Meanwhile, the Bulldogs have a few days to get their stroke back. Look for their offense to step up and propel them to a big win here.
Gonzaga vs Arkansas Score Pick
Gonzaga 83, Arkansas 73
Gonzaga vs Arkansas Best Bets
OVER 154.5 Total Points (-110) at Caesars
WAGER: 1 Unit
Gonzaga is going to put up points regardless of its opponent. Meanwhile, Arkansas’ athleticism will cause problems for the Bulldogs, enabling the Razorbacks to get their share of buckets.
Seven of Arkansas’ last eight games have hit the Over, while four of Gonzaga’s last six games have hit the Over. Bank on that trend continuing for both teams in our CBB bet of the day.
Gonzaga -8.5 (-110) at Caesars
WAGER: 1 Unit
Heading into the Sweet 16, everyone gets a few days of practice and rest to hit the reset button. That is why we see fewer massive upsets now, with the best teams being able to separate themselves from the pack.
Therefore, Gonzaga will get the win and cover the spread here.
- Want to build a parlay? Click for our Gonzaga vs Arkansas Same-Game Parlay.
The Bulldogs should have an easier time scoring this weekend by converting more of their free throws and hitting more threes. Meanwhile, the Razorbacks’ offense has been inconsistent all season long, so that isn’t going to change this week.
Gonzaga’s offense will ultimately be too much for Arkansas to handle, allowing the Bulldogs to pull away and cover the spread.
