This was my first look at this year's Gonzaga squad. The biggest difference between this year and last year is that now they don't have outside shooting. They have athleticism at the guard positions (but no shooting), they have skills in the front court (but not athleticism). So BYU could collapse on the inside, and Gonzaga just lacked the ability to hit shots from the outside and make them pay.
That one guard for Gonzaga in particular would pass up shots and pound the ball like he was being paid by the dribble.
Now the good part of Gonzaga's backcourt is that they can play defense. And we saw how difficult it was for the BYU guards to get any kind of decent look at 3s.
Kyle Collinsworth had a monster offensive game in the second half. He took over. And the key turning point was Sabonis in foul trouble. We made our run when he was on the bench. Gonzaga is not deep enough to sustain him on the bench. It reminds me of Mika. Kid would go into every game knowing that he was the absolute key to winning and he would immediately start making dumb fouls.
Emery had an atrocious game, but did hit the key dagger 3 at the end.
Kyle Davis had a few moments, although he continues to look hopelessly slow and unathletic. Let me take a shot at him--what is he doing rushing in to put ball pressure when the defense rebounds, to swipe at the ball? You are killing our transition defense for a play that has no chance of success. You are slow as a 45 year old man already, GTF back on defense!!!
This BYU team looks a lot different than it did in December, to Rose's credit.
And lastly, boy, WCC sure does miss Haws and Pangos. The quality is not nearly there now without those guys.
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