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March Madness: Previewing Gonzaga vs. West Virginia

By Doug Winkey

March 18, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs players react following the 79-73 victory against the Northwestern Wildcats in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
March 18, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs players react following the 79-73 victory against the Northwestern Wildcats in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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We resume March Madness this evening with an incredible contest between Gonzaga and West Virginia.

TV Schedule: Thursday, March 23, 7:40 ET

Arena: SAC Center at San Jose, San Jose, California

The second March Madness matchup Thursday night is a great one between WCC titan Gonzaga and the Big 12’s “Press Virgina.” It’s a battle between Mark Few and Hall of Famer Bob Huggins.

The Bulldogs from Spokane have fought off pesky efforts from South Dakota State and Northwestern to reach their third straight Sweet 16. West Virginia fought off Bucknell and Notre Dame. The Mountaineers are in their first Sweet 16 since 2015. Both teams are balanced and experienced so there should be no shortage of great plays this evening.

The Zags and WVU are evenly-matched in this contest. Gonzaga is the best overall team in advanced numbers with the nations best-adjusted defense and 12th most efficient offense. Former Washington Husky Nigel Williams-Goss leads Gonzaga with 16.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.7 assists. He has been an All-American candidate for much of the year. Cal transfer Jordan Matthews and career Bulldogs Josh Perkins and Silas Melson give GU a terrific perimeter attack against the WVU press. The Bulldogs also have options inside with 300-pound Przemek Karnowski and freshman phenom Zach Collins.

West Virginia will counter with the 25th most efficient offense and fifth best-adjusted defense. Jevon Carter, Tarik Phillip, Daxter Miles Jr., and Teyvon Myers are as electric any guard corps in the country. Only Carter averages double figures (13.3 ppg), but all four score at least 6 and three of them shoot around 40% from deep. Those four are largely responsible for the team’s relentless full court press. Inside the Mountaineers primarily use versatile Nathan Adrian and Esa Ahmad. Ahmad is the big key as the team’s best overall player. Elijah Macon, Lamont West, Brandon Watkins, and Sagaba Konate are also factors.

Ball control is huge in this game. West Virginia turns its opponents over more than any other team in the country, but Gonzaga has multiple experienced guards to handle the ball. WVU might be in trouble if the Bulldogs can beat the press and get the ball inside. Karnowski is too much to handle if he is able to draw fouls or pass out of double teams. Team’s with true point guards have been able to beat the press throughout the season and limit WVU’s effectiveness.

Next: Kansas State saves Bruce Weber's job with NCAA appearance

This is a great matchup with two veteran rosters and coaches. A lot is on the line as Gonzaga seeks to defend its season-long dominance and reach their first Final Four ever. WVU wants to continue the Big 12’s success and reputation as the nation’s toughest league. Bob Huggins’ team is too tough defensively to allow a blowout, but Gonzaga looks like a team of destiny this season.

Prediction: Gonzaga 81, West Virginia 75

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