{"id":18129,"date":"2025-11-24T22:44:51","date_gmt":"2025-11-25T02:44:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.red94.net\/news\/gonzaga-unbeaten-at-5-0-faces-3-1-alabama-favored-by-4-5-with-rebounding-edge\/"},"modified":"2025-11-24T22:45:09","modified_gmt":"2025-11-25T02:45:09","slug":"54078-gonzaga-unbeaten-at-5-0-faces-3-1-alabama-favored-by-4-5-with-rebounding-edge","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.red94.net\/news\/54078-gonzaga-unbeaten-at-5-0-faces-3-1-alabama-favored-by-4-5-with-rebounding-edge\/","title":{"rendered":"Gonzaga unbeaten at 5-0 faces 3-1 Alabama, favored by 4.5 with rebounding edge"},"content":{"rendered":"

Gonzaga<\/b> brings a perfect 5-0<\/b> record into a top-15 showdown against Alabama<\/b> on Monday, Nov. 24<\/b> at the Players Era Festival<\/b> in Las Vegas<\/b>. The Bulldogs<\/b> are favored by 4.5 points<\/b> and hold a significant rebounding edge. This clash looks massive for both teams vying for national championship clout.<\/p>\n

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\ud83d\udd25 Quick Facts:<\/p>\n

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  • Gonzaga<\/b> opens 5-0<\/b>, ranked No. 12<\/b> in the latest AP poll<\/li>\n
  • Alabama<\/b> enters at 3-1<\/b>, coming off an upset over ranked Illinois<\/b><\/li>\n
  • Spread favors Gonzaga<\/b> by 4.5 points<\/b> with total set at 177.5<\/b><\/li>\n
  • Gonzaga<\/b> averages 46.4<\/b> rebounds per game vs Alabama’s<\/b> 38.8<\/b><\/li>\n
  • Tip-off at 6:30 PM PT<\/b> from MGM Grand Garden Arena<\/b> on TNT<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

    Gonzaga’s Undefeated Challenge<\/h2>\n

    Mark Few’s<\/b> squad has been genuinely impressive through five games. They’ve beaten solid competition including Oklahoma<\/b>, Creighton<\/b>, and Arizona State<\/b>. But this is different.<\/p>\n

    Graham Ike<\/b> leads the way with 17 points<\/b> and 9.2 rebounds<\/b> per game. He’s developed into a major force inside. Then Braden Huff<\/b> adds 14.8 points<\/b> and 4.8 rebounds<\/b>. This two-headed monster gives Gonzaga<\/b> reliable scoring from the paint.<\/p>\n

    The guards\u2014Braeden Smith<\/b>, Mario Saint-Sup\u00e9ry<\/b>\u2014need to manage tempo. Alabama<\/b> loves playing fast. If Gonzaga<\/b> can slow things down and get Ike<\/b> and Huff<\/b> going early, that’s huge.<\/p>\n

    Here’s what matters most: Gonzaga<\/b> holds opponents to just 23.6%<\/b> from three-point range. That’s elite. If they maintain that defensive intensity against Alabama’s<\/b> prolific outside shooting, the Bulldogs<\/b> should win this.<\/p>\n

    Alabama’s Elite Guard Play Battle<\/h2>\n

    Nate Oats’<\/b> crew should never be underestimated. LaBaron Philon Jr.<\/b> came alive against Illinois<\/b>\u201424 points<\/b>, five assists. He’s now averaging 20.5 points<\/b> per game. Smooth. Confident.<\/p>\n

    Aden Holloway<\/b> finished with 11 points<\/b> in that Illinois<\/b> win. Both guards demand attention. Taylor Bol Bowen<\/b>, a 6’10<\/b> forward from Florida State<\/b>, can shoot threes. That spreads things out.<\/p>\n

    The Crimson Tide<\/b> shoots it constantly\u2014over 35 three-pointers<\/b> per game. They’re making 12<\/b> a night at 34%<\/b>. Not elite accuracy, but the volume? Dangerous. Alabama<\/b> averaged 91 points<\/b> in non-conference play.<\/p>\n

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    “Gonzaga is also outstanding in transition and on rebound-scramble, hard-nosed plays. That’s where their defensive edge comes into play.”<\/p>\n