Here’s our pick for Sunday’s Round of 32 contest between Grand Canyon and Alabama.
Grand Canyon (+5.5) vs. Alabama
Grand Canyon is eerily reminiscent of the 2013 Florida Gulf Coast “Dunk City” squad.
This is a physical, downhill attacking team that jumps out of the gym with highlight reel dunks and blocks.
The energy is contagious, and in its win Friday, there was no question which side had the rooting interests of the crowd.
Tyon Grant-Foster is not only one of the best stories in college basketball, but he is a matchup nightmare.
The Lopes in general rank 32nd in offensive rebounding and third in the country in FTA/FGA.
This is a great matchup once again for Grand Canyon, despite a contrast in offensive identity.
Saint Mary’s wanted to slow down opponents, but Alabama will look to win the race to 100.
The Tide have some serious issues on the defensive end, enough to where I think GCU is more than live to advance to the Sweet 16.
Alabama is outside the top 230 in defensive rebounding and near the 300 mark in both turnovers and foul rate.
In other words, where Alabama lacks is exactly the strengths of this Lopes team.
Betting on College Basketball?
We saw Alabama rip through the weak frontcourt of Charleston and light it up from 3 (56.5 percent), but the Tide allowed 1.16 points per possession to the Cougars.
Grand Canyon’s rim protection was clearly a strength, holding its own against Saint Mary’s.
The Lopes won’t back down from Alabama’s physicality — in fact, they welcome it.
Don’t be surprised to see Bryce Drew’s squad rip the hearts out of Alabama fans here and continue their Cinderella run into the Sweet 16.
