Gonzaga Game Preview: Wazzu Makes a Trip up to the Kennel to Take On #13 Gonzaga
By Josh Horton
Feb 23, 2013; Tucson, AZ, USA; Washington State Cougars guard DaVont Lacy (3) prepares to pass as guard/forward Kevin Parrom (3) defends during the first half at McKale Center. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports
Gonzaga vs. Washington State
Game Time: 6:30 p.m. PST
TV: Root Sports
Radio: http://www.gozags.com/liveEvents/liveEvents.dbml?SPID=90846&db_oem_id=26400
Teams Records: GU – 3-0 – WSU – 2-0
Leading Scorers: GU – Bell Jr. 17.3 – WSU – Lacy 24.5
Leading Rebounders: GU – Dower 10.3– GU – Shelton 6.5
Leading Distributors: GU – Stockton 4.3 – WSU – Woolridge
Projected Starters:
Gonzaga
David Stockton
Kevin Pangos
Gary Bell Jr.
Sam Dower Jr.
Przemek Karnowski
Washington State
Royce Woolridge
Davonte Lacy
Will Dilorio
Dexter Kernich-Drew
Junior Longrus
120 tents are lined along the grass outside the McCarthy Center so students can witness a rivalry game between interstate foes Gonzaga and Washington State. To make things even juicier, both teams are undefeated and have played tight matchups in the past.
The Opponent
Washington State was picked to struggle this season in the Pac-12, being picked to finish last in its annual preseason poll. However, the Cougars have not looked bad this season with victories over CSU Bakersfield and Lamar. The Cougars lost Brock Motum and Mike Ladd in the offseason, but junior guard Davonte Lacy has picked up the slack. The Tacoma, Wash. native is averaging 24.5 points and 5.0 rebounds per game. Expect freshmen point guard Ike Ireogbu and off-guard Que Johnson to make an impact this season as well.
Keys to the Game
Shut Down Lacy
Even before the signs of a breakout season this season, Davonte Lacy has had a reputation for playing clutch against the Zags; and deservedly so. In two matchups, Lacy has averaged 16.5 points and at times is single-handedly the only reason the Cougs have stayed in those games. If Gonzaga can prevent Lacy from torching them like he has in the past, it could trump the possibility of a Cougar upset.
Use Your Size
Wazzu is not particularly big. The Cougars two frontcourt starters combine to be 13-3, while the Bulldogs combination of Sam Dower Jr. and Przemek Karnowski are 13-10. If Gonzaga controls the post and outrebounds Washington State, it could be a long night for Ken Bone’s squad.