St. Mary’s defeated Gonzaga in a thrilling WCC basketball game on Thursday night. What did this game teach us about these two teams?
1. St. Mary’s can win playing at any tempo and in any environment.
The Gaels prefer to play at a slow and methodical pace. Gonzaga prefers to play a more up-tempo style. When this game became fast-paced, St. Mary’s was surprisingly successful and appeared unfazed by playing at the Zags’ tempo.
Also, the Gaels’ win in the Zags’ building proves that they can thrive in hostile environments. Gonzaga perennially has one of the nation’s best home-court atmospheres and the McCarthey Athletic Center was loud all night. St. Mary’s showed poise to get past the crowd as well.
With the abilities to succeed at any pace of play and in hostile territory, St. Mary’s proved that it should be taken seriously. The Gaels can beat anyone, anywhere.
2. Rui Hachimura is going to be a star for Gonzaga.
The best player on the floor for the Zags was Japanese big man Rui Hachimura. Hachimura was incredible off the bench as he tallied 23 points along with four rebounds and two blocks. At times during this game, the Gaels could not defend Hachimura, who scored in the paint as well as from mid-range.
Hachimura is a tantalizing talent for this team due to his versatile offensive skill set and great basketball instincts. He also has a 7’2″ wingspan. While Gonzaga lost this game, it found a difference maker in Hachimura.
3. Jock Landale and Calvin Hermanson make up one of the nation’s best duos.
In the Gaels’ huge win against Gonzaga, Landale and Hermanson paved the way for St. Mary’s. The two juniors combined to score 42 points on highly-efficient shooting (18-23). As the Gaels’ primary offensive options, Landale and Hermanson consistently produced big plays for their team down the stretch.
Moreover, Landale secured 12 rebounds and added three assists. In addition to being a prolific scorer, the junior center impacts the game in many other ways.
Hermanson is a crafty scorer that attacks the rim and knocks down threes (45.3 3FG%). The junior forward is a crucial element of the Gaels’ gameplan on offense and defense.
Landale and Hermanson have a solid supporting cast as well, especially in guards Emmett Naar and Jordan Ford. But ultimately, St. Mary’s success will hinge on the performance of its two stars.
4. Gonzaga’s outside shooting is key to its success.
To beat Gonzaga, you have to guard the perimeter. In each of their four losses this season, the Zags have shot below 33% on three-pointers. Conversely, the Zags are shooting a respectable 36.7% on threes as a team this season.
Against St. Mary’s, Gonzaga shot a sub-par 27.3% from beyond the arc. If the Zags don’t consistently connect from long-range, their offense struggles to find a rhythm. In contrast, when they convert their long-range attempts, the Zags have one of the nation’s most potent offenses.
Specifically, the Zags’ shooting depends on the trio of Josh Perkins, Silas Melson, and Zach Norvell Jr. Against St. Mary’s, the trio struggled to make outside shots (4-14). In order to be great, the Zags need better performances from these three guards.
5. Both St. Mary’s and Gonzaga are tournament teams.
By defeating Gonzaga, St. Mary’s added a signature win to its resume. Gonzaga, on the other hand, has a nice collection of quality wins on its resume (Ohio State, Texas, Creighton). While the WCC isn’t traditionally a multi-bid league, both these teams should make the field.
In addition to their resumes, both teams pass the eye test. St. Mary’s has the offensive firepower and veteran experience to be a threat in March. Gonzaga has the athleticism and explosiveness to be a tough draw for any opponent.
Next: Why Jock Landale will win WCC POTY
In conclusion, the Gaels and the Zags both deserve at-large bids when the NCAA Tournament field is selected. The race for the WCC title is going to be an exciting one. Mark your calendars: the rematch between these two is Saturday, February 10.