Dixie State vs Gonzaga Odds, Picks, and Prediction
- No. 1 Gonzaga opens the 2021-22 season and renews its mission to win the program’s first NCAA title against Dixie State Tuesday, November 9th, at 9:00 pm ET in Spokane
- The Bulldogs destroyed the Trailblazers last season 112-67 and have high hopes for the 2021-22 campaign after losing to Baylor in last season’s national championship
- Home, see the current moneyline, point spread, and game total, plus predictions for the game
The last time we saw the top-ranked Gonzaga Bulldogs play a real game, head coach Mark Few’s team suffered its first and only loss of the season. Unfortunately, that 86-70 defeat to Baylor came in the NCAA National Championship game and left the 30-1 Zags still searching for an elusive title.
Now, with the departure of freshman star Jalen Suggs to the NBA but the return of Drew Timme and addition of nationally top-rated recruit Chet Holmgren, Gonzaga begins the 2021-22 slate Tuesday against the Dixie State Trailblazers. Tip is scheduled for 9:00 pm ET at the McCarthey Athletic Center.
Dixie State vs Gonzaga Odds
| Team | Moneyline | Spread at DraftKings | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dixie State | +2000 | +40 (-105) | O 165 (-120) |
| Gonzaga | -5000 | -40 (-115) | U 165 (+100) |
Odds as of November 8th, 2021.
Few will not be on the sidelines for the heavily-favored Zags. The head coach was suspended for the game following a September DUI. But his absence should not have a significant impact on the home team, who also bring back one of college basketball’s top point guards in Andrew Nembhard.
Timme’s Mission
Timme, a 6-10 junior, beat out Luka Garza for KenPom’s Player of the Year award last season and is the favorite to capture National Player of the Year honors this season. He put up 12 points (on 5-of-7 shooting), five rebounds and three assists against the Bears in the national championship game.
The Dallas native had a similarly quiet game against Dixie State last season, putting up nine points (on 4-of-7 shooting), three rebounds and two assists.
Expect Timme to get out of the gate quickly against the Trailblazers. His footwork in the post is the best in the country and he is a true master of the pump fake while possessing incredible patience on the block.
We see you, @AndrewNembhard. 👀 pic.twitter.com/8yM64Xqlfe
— Gonzaga Basketball (@ZagMBB) November 6, 2021
But if Timme and co. are going to bring a long-coveted title to Spokane, it won’t be a one-man show. Another elite returning player that should offer a glimpse of what’s to come this season is Nembhard.
The Florida transfer was primarily a facilitator last year with Suggs getting the backcourt accolades. He scored when called upon, defended well, and put his highly talented teammates in good positions to score. But starting against Trailblazers — whom he put up 9 points (on 3-of-8 shooting), one rebound and five assists against in last year’s meeting — Nembhard will be asked to take on a more assertive scoring role.
Youth Will Be Served
Prior to Suggs, Gonzaga had only landed one McDonald’s All-American (Zach Collins) as a freshman. This season, the Zags have three, led by Holmgren.
Many believe Holmgren will be a transcendent player, with his unprecedented combination of ball skills, shooting, mobility, size and shot blocking. At 7-feet tall and only 190 lbs. (can you say Kevin Durant?), he’s obviously one of the most unique prospects we’ve seen in some time.
Also making their college hoops debuts Tuesday will be fellow McDonald’s stars Hunter Sallis and Nolan Hickman. Sallis, a 6-foot-5 combo guard, is a mega-athlete and skilled ball-handler capable of creating his own shot. Meantime, the 6-foot-2 Hickman — a once-upon-a-time Kentucky commit who Gonzaga flipped — figures to be Nembhard’s primary backup this season.
Nolan Hickman might already be the best perimeter defender on the team. So good at adjusting and pressuring on-ball.
— House of Krause (Candles Szn) (@hokcbb) November 6, 2021
The Seattle-area native is long and athletic and has an elite passing ability for his age, along with very sticky handles. Look for this trio to shine against an inferior opponent at The Kennel.
Trailing, Blazing
Dixie State opens its second season of Division I basketball in a much better spot than it did in Year 1. Head coach Jon Judkins only lost 6-foot-9 post Jarod Greene to graduation and welcome back virtually everyone else. Along with returning players, the Trailblazers welcome former BYU forward Kolby Lee.
The junior forward’s stats with the Cougars were solid in the 2019-20 campaign (averaging seven points and three rebounds per game in 17 minutes a night) while going about half those numbers across the board in the pandemic-shortened season last year. Plus, he has experience against former WCC foe Gonzaga.
With the season just around the corner we are happy to announce our two captains for the 2021-22 season, Hunter Schofield and Cameron Gooden!#WeAreONE #DixieBlazers #BlazeYourTrail pic.twitter.com/tlenTtKN0L
— Utah Tech Men's Basketball (@UtahTechMBB) November 3, 2021
Other players to keep an eye on Tuesday are Cam Gooden, Hunter Schofield and Frank Staine Jr. Simply put. It’s safe to assume that Judkins loves the fact his top three scorers from last season are all back. Gooden averaged 13.1 points, Schofield averaged 12.7 and Staine averaged 9.9. Gooden is one of the best guards in the WAC with his quickness and shift ability to get in the paint. Schofield showed that he can shoot from the perimeter while also battling in the paint. And Staine has a high motor with the ability to put up 20-plus points on any given night and can play multiple positions.
Will it be enough to keep it within the spread for Dixie State? Probably not. With or without Few, Timme and co. have unfinished business this season — and the Trailblazers are on notice.
Pick: Gonzaga -40 (-115)
Blair Johnson is a veteran journalist and seasoned sports content creator. He has been writing and producing content as long as he can remember, with such familiar names as CNN, NFL Media and Yahoo. Blair currently lives and works in the greater Los Angeles area.
