The Gonzaga Bulldogs head off to Las Vegas for the new premier MTE function in college basketball–the Players Era Tournament. On top of getting a boat load of money, the Zags will get the opportunity to face off against both the likes of Alabama and Maryland, and possibly someone else in the third-place or championship game on Wednesday.
Looking for a bracket? Fear not! There really isn’t one. The Players Era Tournament has all 18 teams playing preset games on Monday and Tuesday. Teams that finish 2-0 will qualify for the championship and third-place game, with tiebreakers determined by point differential, points scored, and points allowed. Sounds stupidly unfair due to the quality of preset opponent? You got it! Moneyball baby!
Meet the opponents
Alabama Crimson Tide, 3-1, KenPom #18
| Gonzaga O | Gonzaga D | Alabama O | Alabama D | |
| eFG% | 58.4 (32) | 38.6 (2) | 56.1 (66) | 50.2 (158) |
| TO% | 13.5 (41) | 22.7 (28) | 12.4 (16) | 14.1 (320) |
| OR% | 38.6 (39) | 22.6 (16) | 27.6 (255) | 30.7 (168) |
| FTA/FGA | 29.3 (294) | 36.5 (177) | 30.3 (284) | 38.6 (221) |
What to watch out for
Defend the three.
This is a Nate Oats Alabama squad which means the only shot to take is a three-pointer or a point-blank one at the rim. In the Crimson Tide’s recent win over Illinois, they went 13-for-36 from three, 13-for-20 at the rim, and attempted just 10 other field goals.
This will be a great test for the Gonzaga perimeter defense. The Zags are holding opponents to just shooting 44.6% of their field goals as threes. Three-point attempts account for 52 percent of Alabama’s total shots, the 13th-highest mark in the nation.
If Gonzaga is able to somewhat deny the three and force Alabama to rely on the two, this is a game that Gonzaga wins. If Alabama rains hellfire from above, the game gets a bit more difficult.
All eyes on Labaraon Philon
The Alabama sophomore has excelled in his second season of college hoops, leading the Crimson Tide at 20.5 points per game and establishing himself as one of the more dangerous scorers in college hoops. Philon shoots 38 percent from long range, attempting over five per game.
The Crimson Tide still have dudes who can score, but if Gonzaga is able to largely remove Philon from the equation, it becomes increasingly more difficult for Alabama. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him blanketed the entire game by Emmanuel Innocenti or Jalen Warley. Defending him is a job easier said than done. Philon has already dropped 25 on St. John’s and 24 on Illinois.
Maryland Terrapins, 4-1, KenPom #65
| Gonzaga O | Gonzaga D | Maryland O | Maryland D | |
| eFG% | 58.4 (32) | 38.6 (2) | 50.5 (183) | 50.3 (162) |
| TO% | 13.5 (41) | 22.7 (28) | 18.1 (190) | 22.5 (33) |
| OR% | 38.6 (39) | 22.6 (16) | 31.6 (165) | 31.7 (198) |
| FTA/FGA | 29.3 (294) | 36.5 (177) | 59.3 (5) | 32.3 (112) |
What to watch out for
A gross game.
Maryland lives and dies at the free throw line. They lead the country with 32.4% of their total points coming at the free throw line. They average 32.6 FTA per game. They shoot 81.6 as a team from the line. There are going to be whistles, there are going to be fouls, and there is no way this game is finished in two hours. After having fun watching an offensive showcase against Alabama, we won’t have that pleasure the next day.
Gonzaga’s needs to get out ahead early.
Maryland gives up a lot of three-pointers–the defense is not particularly good at the perimeter. This doesn’t necessarily play that well into Gonzaga’s hand, considering the Zags are a decidedly meh three-point shooting team.
If the Zags are able to hit a few threes, however, this game is put out of commission sooner than later for the Terrapins. They do not have an offense that is designed to jump in front of a leave, just an offense that is designed to grind opponents to dust. The issue with that offense? They can’t foul Gonzaga out. The Zags have too many dudes. If Gonzaga gets an early lead, they should be able to hold it.
Can Gonzaga make the championship game?
Sure! If they don’t, however, don’t be bitter. The way this tournament is organized is just not a way to crown a practical champion in three days. Overall, the tournament is largely pretty balanced, but not quite across the board. Kansas, for example, plays a No. 54 Syracuse and a No. 73 Notre Dame vs. St. Johns, who play No. 6 Iowa State and No. 25 Baylor.
Gonzaga is favored in both games and *should* go 2-0. If that is enough to “punch the ticket” to Wednesday, we will see.