Here are our picks for Sunday’s Round of 32 contest between Grand Canyon and Alabama:
Grand Canyon (+5.5) vs. Alabama
The Grand Canyon is eerily reminiscent of the 2013 Florida Gulf Coast “Dunk City” team.
This is a physical, downhill offensive team that comes out of the gym with highlight reel dunks and blocks.
The energy is contagious and there was no question which side had the crowd’s interest in Friday’s victory.
Tyon Grant-Foster is not only one of college basketball’s greatest talents, but he’s also an opponent’s nightmare.
Lopez ranks 32nd overall in offensive rebounding and third in the nation in FTA/FGA.
Despite their contrasting offensive identities, it’s another great matchup for Grand Canyon.
St. Mary’s wanted to slow down its opponent, but Alabama will look to win the race to 100 points.
The Tide has some serious issues defensively, and I think they have more than enough for GCU to advance to the Sweet 16.
Alabama is outside the top 230 in defensive rebounding, and is near the 300 mark in both turnover and foul rates.
In other words, what Alabama lacks is precisely this Lopez team’s strength.
Do you want to bet on college basketball?
Alabama overcame Charleston’s weak frontcourt and came out strong from 3-point range (56.5 percent), but the tide allowed the Cougars to score 1.16 points per possession.
Grand Canyon’s rim protection is a clear strength, and it wasn’t lost against St. Mary’s either.
Lopez isn’t going to ignore Alabama’s physicality, in fact, he welcomes it.
Don’t be surprised to see Bryce Drew’s team steal the hearts of Alabama fans here and continue their Cinderella-like run to the Sweet 16.
