San Diego Hosts Gonzaga
By Josh Horton
Feb 15, 2014; Spokane, WA, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs head coach Mark Few looks on against the Loyola Marymount Lions during the second half at McCarthey Athletic Center. The Bulldogs beat Lions 86-67. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
No. 25 Gonzaga (23-5, 13-2) at San Diego (15-14, 6-10)
Date: Saturday, February 22, 2014
Location: Leavey Center, Santa Clara, Calif.
Time: 9:00 PM PST
TV: ESPN2
Video: WatchESPN
Last Matchup: Gonzaga narrowly defeated the Toreros 59-56.
Projected Starters
Gonzaga
San Diego
After falling short against BYU on Thursday night, the Gonzaga Bulldogs will travel to San Diego to battle the Toreros in the slim gym.
San Diego fared much better than the Zags on Thursday night, as USD picked up a big victory over the Portland Pilots.
The Toreros have played the Bulldogs very tough in recent years, which might have a little bit to do with Bill Griers past on Mark Few’s coaching staff. The last time these two teams met, Gonzaga held its ground at the Kennel, defeating USD by a score of 59-56. In Gonzaga’s spectacular season last year, the Zags escaped Jenny Craig Pavilion with a 65-63 victory. With the Bulldogs down from last season, could the ending result be in the Toreros favor this time around?
Keys to the Game
Gonzaga
Make the 3-Ball:
Gonzaga is at its best when it’s stroking from beyond the arc. Earlier in the season, the Bulldogs used the 3-ball to dominate its opponents. Now, they can barely buy a bucket from long distance.
Against BYU, the Zags were 3-15 from beyond the arc, a performance that will just not get it done. In order for the Bulldogs to finish the regular season on a positive note, they must get back to shooting the 3-ball with success.
San Diego
Don’t Let GU take it out on you:
After their loss in Provo, the Zags will be playing angry. San Diego cannot let Gonzaga impose its will early on in route to a blowout. The Bulldogs will likely throw the first punch, but when they do, the Toreros need to reciprocate that punch.
The start of the game will be a good indicator of the outcome of this matchup.
Prediction
The Zags were punched right in the mouth at BYU, with the Cougars controlling all facets of the game. However, I think they respond well and defeat the Toreros handily. Gonzaga 72, San Diego 59.