March Madness: Previewing Gonzaga vs South Carolina
By Dalton Pence
Sindarius Thornwell and South Carolina have a meeting with the big bodies of Gonzaga in March Madness’ Final Four.
Gonzaga and South Carolina are making their first appearances in the Final Four.
Gonzaga is known for their length and size and it is no secret that they use it to their full advantage. The Bulldogs play through 7’1” senior Przemek Karnowski in the post but are also dangerous on the perimeter with Washington transfer Nigel Williams-Goss looming nearby.
Not so fast, though. SEC Player of the Year Sindarius Thornwell leads a red-hot South Carolina team that has stolen this year’s Cinderella title and is showing no signs of slowing down.
Size and athleticism versus heart and momentum, something has to give. Here’s everything you need to know about Saturday’s semifinal game.
Time: Saturday 4/1 @ 6:09 PM EST, CBS
Location: University of Phoenix Stadium; Glendale, Arizona
Projected Starting Lineups
South Carolina
21 F Maik Kotsar, Fr; 6’10”, 245 lbs (5.9 PPG, 4.8 RPG)
30 F Chris Silva, Soph; 6’9”, 223 lbs (10.1 PPG, 5.9 RPG)
15 G P.J. Dozier, Soph; 6’6”, 205 lbs (13.8 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 2.8 APG)
10 G Duane Notice, Sr; 6’2”, 225 lbs (10.2 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 2.3 APG)
0 G Sindarius Thornwell, Sr; 6’5”, 211 lbs (21.6 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 2.8 APG)
Gonzaga
24 C Przemek Karnowski, Sr; 7’1”, 300 lbs (12.2 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 1.9 APG)
3 F Johnathan Williams, Jr; 6’9”, 228 lbs (10.3 PPG, 6.6 RPG)
4 G Jordan Mathews, Sr; 6’4”, 203 lbs (10.7 PPG, 3.3 RPG)
13 G Josh Perkins, Soph; 6’3”, 190 lbs (8.2 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 3.2 APG)
5 G Nigel Williams-Goss, Jr; 6’3”, 195 lbs (16.7 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 4.6 APG)
Keys to the Game and Player to Watch
South Carolina: Crash the boards
Rebounding has been an unsung hero in the postseason for the Gamecocks and they will be facing a team that averages 40 boards per contest. To counterattack Gonzaga’s size, Carolina’s frontcourt must keep Karnowski and Williams off the offensive glass if they want to advance.
Player to Watch: P.J. Dozier
There’s no doubt that Thornwell has been on fire in March, but he can’t do it all by himself. Dozier has flourished in the sidekick role and if both guys are playing at high levels, it could cause fits for the Zags’ backcourt.
Gonzaga: Play through the post
There’s no doubt that not many teams can match up with their frontcourt size with Karnowski and freshman Zach Collins. They shoot just over 50 percent from the floor with the majority coming from inside; if it isn’t broke don’t fix it. Exploit the matchup advantages and feed it to the big men.
Player to Watch: Nigel Williams-Goss
South Carolina will be trying to play through Thornwell and Dozier, but Williams-Goss has also been a vital part of Gonzaga’s offense and will continue to be Saturday. Look for the junior transfer to keep up with the Gamecocks’ backcourt.
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Prediction: History repeats itself and David takes down Goliath once again as Thornwell, Dozier, and Notice prove to be too much; South Carolina 76, Gonzaga 73