Kelly Graves’ son leaves Gonzaga, enters transfer portal

Oregon Ducks coach Kelly Graves has a lot on his mind with regards to the transfer portal, including his son, Will, who is on the move.

Oregon Ducks women’s basketball coach Kelly Graves has seen a lot of familiar faces depart his program in the past 24 hours.

First it was Nyara Sabally announcing her intention to declare for the WNBA draft. That was followed by three players announcing their plans to enter the transfer portal: Sydney Parrish, Kylee Watson, and Maddie Scherr.

While any of those three could return to Oregon, right now it is clear coach Graves will need to turn his attention squarely toward the transfer portal to ensure he once again has a competitive roster in Eugene, after a disappointing 21-22 season.

However, Graves’ attention is at least partly consumed by the transfer portal on the men’s side right now, as his son, Will, recently announced his plan to leave his walk-on spot at Gonzaga and enter the portal.

Graves began his college career at Lane Community College in Eugene, playing close to home after graduating from South Eugene High School. He transferred to Gonzaga after one season, getting a chance to play under coach Mark Few – a longtime friend of coach Graves after their time together coaching in Spokane.

Graves grew up near Few’s kids, including Joe who was a walk-on at Gonzaga this past season, as well as the Lloyd family and their son, Liam, who entered the portal this year after spending time at Grand Canyon.

Liam’s father, Tommy Lloyd, was the associate head coach at Gonzaga for a decade before taking over as the head coach at Arizona this past season.

Graves played 76 total minutes in 39 games for Gonzaga, appearing at the very end of blowouts and launching three pointers, much to the delight of the crowd. He finished his Gonzaga career 7-for-20 from beyond the arc, good for a solid 35% rate.

Graves is likely looking for an opportunity to play meaningful minutes, which makes Dana Altman’s program at Oregon an unlikely destination – although a reunion with dad might be a fun storyline, even if they are not in the same program.

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Cole Anthony had a hilarious message for Jalen Suggs after Gonzaga loss

Anthony, being the good humanitarian that he is, delivered some words of encouragement for Suggs immediately following the loss.

On Thursday, the No. 4 seed Arkansas Razorbacks shocked the world and upset the top-seeded Gonzaga Bulldogs to advance to the Elite Eight with a 74-68 win.

Arkansas entered the contest winless in 10 tries versus No. 1 seeds, but it held the Bulldogs in check and limited most of their key players to win. JD Notae scored a team-high 21 points to lead the Razorbacks while Jaylin Williams and Trey Wade each had 15 points.

On the other side, All-American Drew Timme led Gonzaga with 25 points and seven rebounds. Meanwhile, All-American Chet Holmgren battled through foul trouble and eventually fouled out in 23 minutes of work, finishing with 11 points, 14 rebounds and two blocks.

The early exit left Zags Nation feeling it afterward, including Jalen Suggs.

Fortunately, Suggs’ Orlando Magic teammate, Cole Anthony, was there to help him out during this difficult time. Anthony, being the good humanitarian that he is, delivered some words of encouragement for Suggs immediately following the loss.

I sent him a nice voice note as soon as the game ended: ‘Jalen, it’s going to be OK, bro. UNC is going to get this dub for you. We’ll win the whole thing for you.’ That’s what I told him. He sent me a little meme back … I could tell he was going through a lot so, me, I’m just going to give my brother some moral support. I gave him a little dap (this morning) just to try to keep the young fella happy.

Of course, Suggs was named a consensus second-team All-American last year with Gonzaga, averaging 14.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.9 steals. He helped lead the Zags to the national title game after draining the game-winning shot over UCLA in the Final Four.

Suggs kept up with the program throughout the season, and even stopped in to watch a couple of games when there was a break in the Magic’s schedule. Given his relationship with the team, Suggs is likely still reeling from the loss.

The strong season by the Zags certainly came to an end far earlier than they wanted it to but, with seven-straight appearances in the Sweet 16, it seems like a safe bet that they will be back again next year.

This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!

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Stephen Curry pulled up to watch Arkansas upset top-seeded Gonzaga

Curry pulled up to watch No. 4 seed Arkansas upset top-seeded Gonzaga 74-68 on Thursday in the Sweet 16.

With the Sweet 16 making its way to the Chase Center in San Francisco, Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry pulled up to watch No. 4 seed Arkansas upset top-seeded Gonzaga 74-68 on Thursday.

Of course, Curry was ruled out for at least two weeks on March 18 after suffering a left foot injury. He did not join the Warriors on their current five-game East Coast road trip and had the opportunity to watch the contest between the two teams.

The Razorbacks entered the contest winless in 10 tries versus No. 1 seeds, but held the Bulldogs in check and limited most of their key players to win. JD Notae scored a team-high 21 points to lead the Razorbacks while Jaylin Williams and Trey Wade each had 15 points.

Arkansas will now face either Duke or Texas Tech in the Elite Eight.

All-American Drew Timme led Gonzaga with 25 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Meanwhile, All-American Chet Holmgren battled through foul trouble and eventually fouled out in 23 minutes of work. He finished with 11 points, 14 rebounds and two blocks.

The game likely marked the last for the two players as they look ahead to the NBA draft. Timme is currently projected to be a second-round pick while Holmgren is in the conversation to be the top selection on June 23.

They have until April 24 to declare for the NBA draft.

This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!

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Mark Few didn’t look too pleased about Arkansas’ meaningless, last-second dunk in Gonzaga upset

Mark Few was not a fan of this dunk, it seems!

The 2022 March Madness tournament has had its fair share of upsets, but none bigger than Thursday’s ousting of No. 1 Gonzaga in stunning fashion.

Yes that’s right, Gonzaga has been upset! By No. 4 Arkansas no less. And Mark Few did not look happy about it.

At the end of the game, when it was all but over for Gonzaga, Au’Diese Toney capped off Arkansas’ emphatic win with a sick dunk as the last play of the night that put an exclamation point on the Razorbacks’ big evening. It was a real awesome moment of catharsis for Arkansas, but Few did not look pleased at all with the proceedings.

Let’s take a look at that one more time, shall we?

Arkansas head coach Eric Musselman, on the other hand? He was ecstatic!

Seriously, look at him!

Depending on how you bet on Gonzaga, you’re probably either feeling like Few or Musselman after this upset. Especially after Chet Holmgren fouled out with less than four minutes left in the game. This is March, everyone!

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Almost everyone bet on Gonzaga. Almost everyone lost money

Almost everyone bet on Gonzaga. Almost everyone lost money.

Thursday night was not only a loss for Gonzaga, it was a loss for its fans, the refs, and most importantly, the betting public.

Entering Friday’s contest, 65 percent of bets placed against the spread took Gonzaga (-8.5) while 84 percent of the money was wagered that same line, according to Action Network.

What’s worse? A whopping 99 percent of bets and 85 percent of the money wagered on the moneyline was backing Gonzaga.

The Zags did that thing where they play below standard in the first half and then try and flip the switch in the second half. In the first two NCAA Tournament games, it worked out nicely for them. They led No. 16 Georgia State in the first round by just two at the break before finishing +19 in the second half and trailed No. 9 Memphis by 10 at the break before outscoring them by 14 in the second half of their second-round win.

Instead, Eric Mussleman’s Arkansas Razorbacks captured a 28-27 lead towards the end of the first half and never relinquished it.

Shoutout to the few bettors who never doubted the Razorbacks to cover the spread. And shoutout to the even fewer bettors who were brave enough to take Arkansas at the moneyline; you’re a little richer today.

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Gonzaga has been knocked out after a stunning Sweet 16 upset to Arkansas and fans are shocked

OH MY!

The No. 1 team in the nation in the Gonzaga Bulldogs has been shockingly upset out of the 2022 March Madness tournament.

On Thursday, the No. 4 Arkansas Razorbacks took down No. 1 Gonzaga 74-68 in a stunning Sweet 16 upset. The game was close throughout the first half, but in the second the Razorbacks started to pull away from the Bulldogs, who were unable to muster up a comeback.

Even more shocking was Gonzaga’s star player, Chet Holmgren, fouled out of the game with three and a half minutes to play after a series of controversial calls went against the 19-year-old. Given that Holmgren has been billed as the top prospect in the upcoming NBA draft, it’s a real tough way to go out and end your college career that way.

The last time Gonzaga was stalled at the Sweet 16 was during the 2017–18 season after going 32–5 on the year. College basketball fans were shocked at the result, given Gonzaga was ranked No. 1 headed into the tournament with high expectations to win it all.

How to bet Arkansas-Gonzaga in Sweet 16 of the 2022 NCAA Tournament

Gonzaga and Arkansas are a combined 0-4 ATS in the tourney.

Gonzaga is a 9.5-point favorite over Arkansas for Thursday’s Sweet 16 matchup, the same spread the Zags were favored by against Memphis in the Round of 32.

That game saw Gonzaga eek out a four-point win while failing to cover for the sixth time in its last eight games, according to Covers. One of the other two games resulted in a push, leaving Gonzaga with a single cover since Feb. 16.

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Arkansas, on the other hand, finished regular season play much better ATS but also has yet to cover through two rounds of the NCAA Tournament. The Razorbacks’ failure to do so stems from an offense that struggles to put teams away. Against both Vermont and New Mexico State, they held halftime leads that would have covered but were then outscored in the second half.

Gonzaga’s games have gone the complete opposite direction, as the Bulldogs are a combined -8 in the first half of games this tourney and +33 in the second half. However, their 10-point halftime deficit in the Second Round came against a Memphis team that scores better than Arkansas.

No. 1 Gonzaga vs. No. 4 Arkansas

Spread: Gonzaga -9.5 (-115)

Moneyline: Gonzaga (-520), Arkansas (+370)

Total: 154.5 (-110)

(odds via Tipico as of 3/23/22 at 5 p.m.)

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The Razorbacks aren’t likely to put as much distance between themselves and Gonzaga. And while they defend well, they simply don’t have the size to shutdown the likes of Chet Holmgren and Drew Timme over the course of a full game. I fully expect Gonzaga to win this game and cover the spread with a second-half push.

I also think the game eclipses the 154.5-point total. These two teams both play an uptempo style of basketball, which should lead to a lot of points — even if they don’t come on the most efficient of shooting. Three of the four tourney games between these two teams have hit their overs.

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Arkansas Basketball vs. Gonzaga: Stream, injury report, broadcast info for Thursday

What you need to know about the Sweet 16 matchup between Arkansas and Gonzaga.

Arkansas plays Gonzaga on Thursday, and if you’re wondering how you can watch the action live, we have all the information you will need to tune in. 

The Razorbacks are the last men standing as far as the SEC is concerned. The No. 4 seeded Arkansas team led by JD Notae looks to be the Goliath slayers as they face the No. 1 Gonzaga Bulldogs in the Sweet 16.

The duo of Notae and Jaylin Williams have a tall task as they hope to limit the impact of Gonzaga’s standout duo of Chet Holmgren and Drew Timme.

The Razorbacks come into the game with a 27-8 record. Arkansas made it to the Sweet 16 after wins over Vermont in the Round of 64 and New Mexico State in the Round of 32.

The Bulldogs are 28-3 overall. Gonzaga defeated Georgia State in the Round of 64 and is coming off a four-point win over Memphis in the Round of 32.

We break down the information you need to know for Thursday night in the Sweet 16 from San Francisco, California.

NCAA Tournament: Saint Peter’s lead top performances from opening weekend

With the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament complete, Rookie Wire took a look at several of the top performances from the first four days.

The first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament are in the books as the opening weekend provided plenty of high-level basketball performances from teams and players alike.

Of course, the top story from the first four days of action was the play of 15th-seeded Saint Peter’s from Jersey City. With two stunning upsets, they became just the third 15th seed to reach the Sweet 16, joining Florida Gulf Coast (2013) and Oral Roberts (2021).

The tournament also saw several outstanding performances by those players projected to be drafted in the NBA this year. The Big Dance can often help prospects put their names on the map and improve their draft stock, and that was once again the case this year.

With the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament complete, Rookie Wire took a look at several of the top performances by players and teams from the first four days of action.

Arkansas vs Gonzaga NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 odds, tips and betting trends

A Sweet 16 NCAA Tournament matchup between the No. 1 Gonzaga Bulldogs (28-3) and No. 4 Arkansas Razorbacks (27-8) will determine one of the squads heading to the West Regional Region bracket final when it tips off on Thursday at Chase Center, …

A Sweet 16 NCAA Tournament matchup between the No. 1 Gonzaga Bulldogs (28-3) and No. 4 Arkansas Razorbacks (27-8) will determine one of the squads heading to the West Regional Region bracket final when it tips off on Thursday at Chase Center, beginning at 7:09 PM. Bookmakers think Gonzaga will claim victory in this one, naming the as 8.5-point favorites.

Gonzaga’s record against the spread so far this season is 15-15-2, and Arkansas’ is 20-17-0. In terms of hitting the over, games involving the Bulldogs are 14-18-0 and the Razorbacks are 22-15-0. The two teams combine to score 164 points per game, 9.5 more points than this matchup’s total. Over the past 10 contests, Gonzaga is 2-7-1 against the spread and 9-1 overall while Arkansas has gone 3-7-0 against the spread and 7-3 overall.

Before this college hoops showdown, here’s what you need to get ready for Thursday’s action.

Arkansas at Gonzaga odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list.

  • Spread: Gonzaga -8.5
  • Total: 154.5
  • Moneyline: Gonzaga -390, Arkansas +299

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Arkansas at Gonzaga odds, spread, & more

Prediction

Gonzaga 80, Arkansas 69

Moneyline

  • The Bulldogs have put together a 29-3 record in games they were favored on the moneyline (winning 90.6% of those games).
  • In games it has played as a moneyline favorite with odds of -390 or shorter, Gonzaga has a record of 27-3 (90%).
  • Based on this matchup’s moneyline, the Bulldogs have an implied win probability of 79.6%.
  • The Razorbacks have won two of the five games they’ve played as underdogs this season.
  • Arkansas has not been a bigger underdog this season than the +299 moneyline set for this game.
  • The sportsbooks’ moneyline implies a 25.1% chance of a victory for the Razorbacks.

Against the spread

  • The Bulldogs average 19.8 more points per game (87.8) than the Razorbacks allow (68).
  • Gonzaga has a 13-8-2 record against the spread and a 23-2 record overall when putting up more than 68 points.
  • Arkansas is 19-10 against the spread and 24-5 overall when giving up fewer than 87.8 points.
  • The Razorbacks score 10.2 more points per game (76.2) than the Bulldogs allow their opponents to score (66).
  • When it scores more than 66 points, Arkansas is 15-11 against the spread and 20-6 overall.
  • Gonzaga is 10-9-2 against the spread and 21-1 overall when it gives up fewer than 76.2 points.
  • The Bulldogs have totaled 677 more points than their opponents this season (21.8 per game on average), and the Razorbacks have scored 286 more points than their opponents (8.2 per game).

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Over/Under

  • The Bulldogs’ average implied point total this season is 5.6 more points than their implied total in Thursday’s game (87.6 implied points on average compared to 82 implied points in this game).
  • So far this season, Gonzaga has put up more than 82 points in 22 games.
  • The 77.1-point average implied total on the season for the Razorbacks is equal to the team’s implied total in this matchup.
  • So far this season, Arkansas has scored more than 73 points 25 times.

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How to watch Gonzaga vs. Arkansas

  • Game Day: Thursday, March 24, 2022
  • Game Time: 7:09 PM ET
  • Live Stream: Hulu

Find out how to watch March Madness live on Hulu!

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