Live Game Thread: Gonzaga Vs. Wichita State
By Josh Horton
Mar 21, 2013; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Kelly Olynyk (13) signals to the crowd as he walks off the court with Gonzaga Bulldogs guard David Stockton (11) for a time out in the second half of the game against the Southern University Jaguars during the second round of the 2013 NCAA tournament at EnergySolutions Arena. Gonzaga won the game 64-58. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports
We are about 30 minutes until tip off in Salt Lake City, in a game that pits the Gonzaga Bulldogs versus the Wichita State Shockers in the 3rd round of the NCAA Tournament. Here is some information about tonight’s matchup.
No. 1 Seed Gonzaga-
AP Poll: 1
RPI: 6
BPI: 5
KenPom: 4
Leading Scorer: Kelly Olynyk (17.6ppg)
Leading Rebounder: Elias Harris (7.5rpg)
Leading Passer: David Stockton (3.4apg)
Projected Starters: Kevin Pangos (G), Gary Bell Jr. (G), Mike Hart (F), Elias Harris (F), Kelly Olynyk (C)
No. 9 seed Wichita State-
AP Poll: Unranked
RPI: 38
BPI: 24
KenPom: 25
Leading Scorer: Cleanthony Early (13.6ppg)
Leading Rebounder: Carl Hall (7.4rpg)
Leading Passer: Malcolm Armstead: (4.0apg)
Projected Starters: Malcolm Armstead (G), Teleke Cotton (G), Ron Baker (G), Carl Hall (F), Ehimen Orukpe (C)
My Bold Prediction: Kevin Pangos Will Hit At least 5 Threes
With Wichita State likely to double down low and focus their attentions to Kelly Olynyk, it is possible that Pangos will get multiple good looks from the outside. Pangos, fresh off a decent performance against Southern, will be the staple of the Gonzaga offense in this game.
My Pick: Gonzaga 75, Wichita State 70
Gonzaga will come out of this game victorious, but not after a long hard fight with a tough opponent. The Zags, led by Pangos and Olynyk, will come out firing offensively. However, some defensive lapses will keep the Shockers in the game. All in all, Gonzaga will handle the Shockers, but in a tight game.
Follow @WestCoastConvo on twitter for extra commentary from the game. Feel free to comment below with any comments, questions, and thoughts from the game.
Game Starts at 8:40 ET on TNT