The Gonzaga Bulldogs did exactly what they needed to against Santa Clara last night-win. Not only that, they largely did it in a way that generates some encouraging momentum for the last game of the season against San Francisco.
There is a lot to unpack from this game, so now that the SEO friendly lede is done, let’s get into it.
1) Santa Clara started out looking like they were going to absolutely bomb Gonzaga out of the building with three-pointers. The Broncos started out an absurd 8-for-8 from long range, and yet, they didn’t have a mondo lead to show for it.
Most importantly, however, is how the Gonzaga defense reacted after that initial push. They absolutely shut the Broncos game plan down. After starting out with that perfect 100%, Santa Clara shot 3-for-17 from long range. With the defensive pressure on point, harrying turnovers throughout, it turned the game into what we all have long hoped for–Gonzaga pushing through adversity for the win.
2) That might be the biggest takeaway from the game. Most of the season, Gonzaga has absorbed punches and really not been able to fight back with another authority to offer any breathing room. Last night, they did. Gonzaga was 10 down in the first half, was able to go into halftime with a two point lead, and then crushed Santa Clara in the second half.
That is a good tournament team. That is the team we have not seen really all season. And for the players, who hopefully know they are capable of being said team, that affirmation has to help.
3) Big boy games from Graham Ike and Khalif Battle to power the Zags with 24 and 21 points, respectively. But now that those accolades are done, let’s be critical of both of their fourth fouls.
Battle picked up his third foul mere seconds into the start of the second half. He then rather quickly picked up his fourth foul guarding a Bronco rather far away from the hoop. Now, whether or not you think that foul was ticky-tacky doesn’t matter. If you are Battle, you need to be aware that picking up your fourth foul with 16:41 left in the second half is just not a smart basketball move.
Likewise, it was little surprise to watch the Graham Ike special. Ike got energized in picking up his third foul with 16:35 left and then promptly went down the court and very obviously picked up his fourth foul trying to establish position in the post with 16:20 left.
These guys are seniors. These sorts of mental miscues are what lose basketball games, and Gonzaga to a certain extent is lucky that the supporting cast was able to support, and more so. Because losing your two leading scorers for nearly 12 minutes in the second half due to idiotic foul trouble is how you go home in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
4) Ike’s foul trouble was compounded by Braden Huff, whose final line of two minutes, three fouls, and zeros across the board is the stuff of legends. Huff now has seven fouls in his past 13 minutes of play.
I like Huff’s offensive stuff. Actually, more so, Iove his offensive stuff. But his defense is wretched and he hasn’t quite figured out how to be like Drew Timme, which is play passable defense so that your offense has the chance to stay on the court.
5) None of that mattered, however, because of Ismaila Diagne, who hit the court, who logged 18 minutes last night of borderline perfect basketball. Diagne, who prior to last night had played a grand total of 34 minutes, scored nine points, grabbed four boards, and blocked a shot. He made himself an option on offense and his size and length on defense held its own.
With Huff and Ike both out of commission, Gonzaga needed Diagne to do more than just be five fouls walking on the court. He did that, and showcased that like always, the future is bright in Spokane.
6) Gonzaga just hung a 19 point win on the home court of a good Santa Clara team ranked No. 56 in KenPom this morning. After the loss to Saint Mary’s, the temperature check of the fanbase was probably a bit more dismal than it is now.
The Zags close out the season “on the road” against San Francisco in the Chase Center. Win on Saturday, and my guess is that any bubble talk can be dispelled for Selection Sunday.
One game at a time.