Gonzaga Game Preview: Zags Return Home, Take on Coppin State
By Josh Horton
Nov 29, 2013; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Coppin State Eagles forward Arnold Fripp (0) is defended by Michigan Wolverines forward Jordan Morgan (52) in the first half at Crisler Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Gonzaga vs. Coppin State
Game Time: 5:00 p.m. PST
TV: ROOT
Radio: http://www.gozags.com/liveEvents/liveEvents.dbml?SPID=90846&db_oem_id=26400
Teams Records: GU – 6-1 – CSU – 2-3
Leading Scorers: GU – Pangos 22.0 – CSU – Smith 15.8
Leading Rebounders: GU – Dower 7.4 – CSU – Fripp 5.8
Leading Distributors: GU – Stockton 5.3 – CSU – Cephas 3.6
Projected Starters
Gonzaga
Kevin Pangos
Gary Bell Jr.
David Stockton
Samuel Dower Jr.
Przemek Karnowski
Coppin State
Sterling Smith
Andre Armstrong
Taariq Cephas
Arnold Fripp
Jerimyjah Batts
After a semi-successful trip to Maui, the Gonzaga Bulldogs return to the Kennel to take on Coppin State, a 2-3 squad from the MEAC conference.
The Opponent
AP Poll: NR
Coaches Poll: NR
RPI: 102
KenPom: 286
Coppin State will take on its second ranked opponent in as many games when they travel to Spokane to take on the Bulldogs. The Eagles took on no. 22 Michigan on Friday, and lost by 42. In addition to losing to the Wolverines, Coppin State has dropped contests to California and Wagner. The Eagles victories are over Ohio Valley and an upset at Oregon State.
Sophomore guard Sterling Smith is the primary scoring option for the Eagles. The Chico, Calif. native is averaging 15.8 points and 3.8 rebounds this season. He is also a great defender with active hands; Smith is averaging 2.4 steals this season, 40th best in the NCAA. Arnold Fripp is the Eagles leader on the glass with 5.8 rebounds per game.
Keys to the Game
No Maui Hangover
The Bulldogs just got back from Hawaii and cannot come out flat against the Eagles. Coppin State is not the best team in the world, but are capable of pulling off the upset if its opponent comes out flat. Just ask Oregon State. The Zags cannot let the Maui trip effect their play tonight.
Make it Rain
Gonzaga is the second best three-point shooting team in the country with a 3P% of 48.4. Coppin State has one of the worst three-point defenses, letting opponents to shoot 37.6 percent from beyond the arc. Need I say more? Expect the Bulldogs to burn the Eagles from downtown.