Busting Brackets
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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: Josh Perkins
LAS VEGAS, NV – MARCH 03: Josh Perkins /

Why They Won’t: Josh Perkins

Josh Perkins can also be the reason the Gonzaga loses early. It is no secret that Josh Perkins can often make mistakes in pressure situations, and there is no greater pressure situation than a close game in the NCAA Tournament.

This season alone, Josh Perkins had some poor end of game performances in crucial situations. In Gonzaga’s loss to Florida, Josh Perkins shot 1-5 from the floor in overtime before fouling out. In their win the following night against Texas, Josh Perkins attempted to break the press with a full-court heave, despite having a time out left, thus resulting in a turnover and game-tying three for the Longhorns.

Even as recently as Gonzaga’s three-point home loss the Saint Mary’s, Perkins completely disappeared in the last 4 minutes, with the exception of the missed three-pointer that would have sent the game to overtime.

If the Zags find themselves in a close game down the stretch, there is a reason to worry about Perkins’ ability to make an impact while avoiding mistakes