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Gonzaga Basketball: Five pros and cons of picking the Zags to another Final Four

By Connor Hope

LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 06: Gonzaga Bulldogs players huddle on the court before the championship game of the West Coast Conference basketball tournament against the Brigham Young Cougars at the Orleans Arena on March 6, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Bulldogs won 74-54. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 06: Gonzaga Bulldogs players huddle on the court before the championship game of the West Coast Conference basketball tournament against the Brigham Young Cougars at the Orleans Arena on March 6, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Bulldogs won 74-54. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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LAS VEGAS, NV – MARCH 03: Jeffery McClendon
LAS VEGAS, NV – MARCH 03: Jeffery McClendon /

Why They Won’t: Three-Point Defense

Three-point defense has been on the Gonzaga’s biggest weaknesses most years, with their losses in the NCAA Tournament being fueled by hot shooting performances. This issue has continued this season, with the teams draining 252 shots from deep against the Zags, on 35.5% shooting.

This has really hurt the Bulldogs, as three out of their four losses have come when their opponent has hit over 47% of their three-point shots. While most upsets are fueled by three-point shooting, the Zags are even more vulnerable than most.

Gonzaga will need to focus on running teams off the line, and forcing them into their interior defense, which is one of the best in the nation. While there are not many incredible three point shooting teams in the West Region, there are enough solid ones to give Gonzaga fans concern.