San Diego Hosts Gonzaga

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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

David Stockton

Gary Bell

Kevin Pangos

Sam Dower

Przemek Karnowski

San Diego

Christopher Anderson

Johnny Dee

Duda Sanadze

Dennis Kramer

Jito Kok

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.