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Gonzaga Bulldogs: Sabonis and Wiltjer shine in OT win over San Francisco

By Mitch Krmpotich

December 31, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs head coach Mark Few instructs against the Santa Clara Broncos during the second half at Leavey Center. The Bulldogs defeated the Broncos 79-77. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
December 31, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs head coach Mark Few instructs against the Santa Clara Broncos during the second half at Leavey Center. The Bulldogs defeated the Broncos 79-77. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Gonzaga Bulldogs opened up the new year with a 102-94 win in overtime over the San Francisco Dons.

The Dons played a tough game draining 14 three-pointers in the contest. At one point they were up by 16.

Sophomore guard, Devin Watson lit the floor up with 33 points including five made treys of his own. He had an excellent game, but it was overshadowed by Gonzaga’s dominant big men.

Coming off of news that Przemek Karnowski would be out for the season after having back surgery, Domantas Sabonis and Kyle Wiltjer knew that they would need to step up and lead this Gonzaga team.  That’s exactly what they did.

Domantas Sabonis

Sabonis needs to go to the NBA after this season.  He is manhandling his opponents down low.

He is so difficult to guard because of his array of moves on the low block and he is automatic with his left hand.

Dec 21, 2015; Spokane, WA, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Domantas Sabonis (11) puts up a shot against Pepperdine Waves forward Stacy Davis (5) during the second half at McCarthey Athletic Center. The Bulldogs won 99-73. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 21, 2015; Spokane, WA, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Domantas Sabonis (11) puts up a shot against Pepperdine Waves forward Stacy Davis (5) during the second half at McCarthey Athletic Center. The Bulldogs won 99-73. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports /

Sabonis can turn toward the baseline and finish, he can move into the middle of the paint and finish with a hook shot, and he can use a nice pump fake and finish with an up and under move. Sabonis is also improving with the use of his right hand. This helps him to be less one dimensional down low.

Gonzaga’s flex offense often puts Sabonis at the top of the key.  The purpose of the play is to get the ball moving and allow for off ball screens, but if Sabonis gets in isolation with an inferior defender he can take it to the rack and finish strong or, if the defender sags off, he can take a step in and drain a 17-foot jump shot with ease. Sabonis’ midrange game is vastly improved from last season. He has made a three this season as well. I would like to see him take a couple more deep shots, but only if they are good looks.  There’s no reason to force anything.

In this game against San Francisco Sabonis finished with 35 points, 14 rebounds, four assists, one steal, and three blocks. His passing is improving and his rebounding is stronger than ever.

Rebounding is one of Sabonis’ greatest strengths. Even if he is having an off night scoring, his rebounding is always there. Sabonis is also strong on defense.

He stops driving players in their tracks, especially along the baseline. Watch out for this guy in March.

Kyle Wiltjer

Wiltjer also finished with a double-double tonight with 30 points and 11 boards. His five offensive rebounds were huge down the stretch and they ultimately helped Gonzaga get back into the game when they were down and put the game away when they led.

Wiltjer has a unique skill set.  He is well known for his three-point shooting, which is still very impressive, but he works well down low with his crafty post moves.

Dec 21, 2015; Spokane, WA, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Kyle Wiltjer (33) attempts a free-throw again the Pepperdine Waves during the second half at McCarthey Athletic Center. The Bulldogs won 99-73. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 21, 2015; Spokane, WA, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Kyle Wiltjer (33) attempts a free-throw again the Pepperdine Waves during the second half at McCarthey Athletic Center. The Bulldogs won 99-73. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports /

He has mastered taking off balance shots, fadeaway jumpers, and one handed leaners. When a defender thinks he has Wiltjer in a difficult position, Wiltjer adjusts and can make tough shots as well as anyone.

His outside shooting combined with his post presence makes him a stretch four I suppose, but he is developing into an all around playmaker.

A great example of this is in this game against USF where Wiltjer was able to be the high man in the high-low post game. He set Sabonis up for great looks and got a couple assists in the process.

Many people have criticized Wiltjer’s defense and rebounding abilities. His rebounding is extremely improved from last season. This year he averages 7.4 boards per game.

His defense can be shaky at times, but tonight it looked much better. He had two blocks including a clutch stuff in overtime that led to a dagger three on the other end of the floor. If Wiltjer can continue to improve his rebounding and defense, he could have a shot at the NBA.

Both Sabonis and Wiltjer are poised under pressure. Even when the Zags were down by 16 they did not panic. They continued to play their game and it paid off in the end.

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By the time that overtime came around they were ready to dominate even though they had already played for most of the game. They passionately battled through fatigue and proved that they are two of the best players in the country.

The Zags will get some time off before their next game. They will host Portland on Saturday, January 9 at 5:00 pm local time. It can be seen on KHQ/ROOT as well as ESPN3.