I have watched both these teams play all year long. Watched both match-ups previously this year:
Here are my thoughts on tonights game:
The Facts
Zags won the first game at Santa Clara by 8
SC comes into McCarthey Athletic Center and hands the Zags their first loss ever in their home gym. After that game Zags home court record was 38-1
Series 1-1 (each winning at other teams gym)
In the second game the Zags uncharacteristically shot free throw poorly. They end up shooting 61% while SC shoots 86%. Zags shoot 30% from three range and SC shoots 61% from down town. Zags finsh the game shooting 38% SC shoots 53% for the game.
Since their last meeting Gonzaga has gone 4 -1. Only loss was 77-78 to then ranked #8 Memphis while SC has gone 2 and 2 losing to the cellar dwellars of the conference in Loyola and Pepperdine. Pulled it toegether last night to beat St Mary's in the WCC tourney though.
Gonzaga has won 20 of its last 21 West Coast Conference Tournament games
Josh Heytvelt factor
Josh Heytvelt (the kid caught with shrooms and pot) played in the first Gonzaga/SC game but was already suspended when the second game was played. In fact, the Santa Clara game was the first game the Zags had to play without their leading rebounder and second leading scorer. IMO this is the main reason SC was able to pull off the upset at Gonzaga. It was one of those rare nights where the stars all lined up for SC. Josh was out, Few didn't have enough time to prepare for the game(rotations etc), Zags shot the ball terribly and SC shot the lights out. I thin SC knew this would be the best chance they had in years to win at Gonzaga. If Josh plays in this game SC loses by 10-12
Coaching factor:
Really like Mark Few of the Zags. He seems to get the most out of his players and is always working the refs, which is in sharp contrast to Santa Clara coach Dick Davey. Davey just seems to be disinterested in the game 90% of the time. He is retiring at the end of the year.
Few is third all time on the "Fastest To 200 Wins" list in NCAA Division I history
Teams RPI and tournament status.
Zags RPI rating is 67, while Santa Clara has a rating of 93
Neither team is guaranteed a NCAA tournament bid so both teams need to win this game to ensure a trip to the big dance.
The Zags are the play tonight.
More talent, revenge factor, better coaching, free throw shooting, 3 point shooting etc. Also think they have their roation down since they have played 5 games now without Josh in the rotation. Few will get it done.
Broncos get taken behind the woodshed tonight.
Zags win this one by 12-15.
ZAGS -4 (10 units) Huge play
GLTA
CBB YTD 22-16 (+18 units)
Here are my thoughts on tonights game:
The Facts
Zags won the first game at Santa Clara by 8
SC comes into McCarthey Athletic Center and hands the Zags their first loss ever in their home gym. After that game Zags home court record was 38-1
Series 1-1 (each winning at other teams gym)
In the second game the Zags uncharacteristically shot free throw poorly. They end up shooting 61% while SC shoots 86%. Zags shoot 30% from three range and SC shoots 61% from down town. Zags finsh the game shooting 38% SC shoots 53% for the game.
Since their last meeting Gonzaga has gone 4 -1. Only loss was 77-78 to then ranked #8 Memphis while SC has gone 2 and 2 losing to the cellar dwellars of the conference in Loyola and Pepperdine. Pulled it toegether last night to beat St Mary's in the WCC tourney though.
Gonzaga has won 20 of its last 21 West Coast Conference Tournament games
Josh Heytvelt factor
Josh Heytvelt (the kid caught with shrooms and pot) played in the first Gonzaga/SC game but was already suspended when the second game was played. In fact, the Santa Clara game was the first game the Zags had to play without their leading rebounder and second leading scorer. IMO this is the main reason SC was able to pull off the upset at Gonzaga. It was one of those rare nights where the stars all lined up for SC. Josh was out, Few didn't have enough time to prepare for the game(rotations etc), Zags shot the ball terribly and SC shot the lights out. I thin SC knew this would be the best chance they had in years to win at Gonzaga. If Josh plays in this game SC loses by 10-12
Coaching factor:
Really like Mark Few of the Zags. He seems to get the most out of his players and is always working the refs, which is in sharp contrast to Santa Clara coach Dick Davey. Davey just seems to be disinterested in the game 90% of the time. He is retiring at the end of the year.
Few is third all time on the "Fastest To 200 Wins" list in NCAA Division I history
Teams RPI and tournament status.
Zags RPI rating is 67, while Santa Clara has a rating of 93
Neither team is guaranteed a NCAA tournament bid so both teams need to win this game to ensure a trip to the big dance.
The Zags are the play tonight.
More talent, revenge factor, better coaching, free throw shooting, 3 point shooting etc. Also think they have their roation down since they have played 5 games now without Josh in the rotation. Few will get it done.
Broncos get taken behind the woodshed tonight.
Zags win this one by 12-15.
ZAGS -4 (10 units) Huge play
GLTA
CBB YTD 22-16 (+18 units)
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