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Washington Basketball: 3 keys for the Huskies against Gonzaga

KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 06: Nahziah Carter #11 and Noah Dickerson #15 of the Washington Huskies celebrate after the Huskies defeated the Kansas Jayhawks 74-65 to win the game at the Sprint Center on December 6, 2017 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 06: Nahziah Carter #11 and Noah Dickerson #15 of the Washington Huskies celebrate after the Huskies defeated the Kansas Jayhawks 74-65 to win the game at the Sprint Center on December 6, 2017 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
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LAS VEGAS, NV – MARCH 07: David Crisp #1 of the Washington Huskies brings the ball up the court against the Oregon State Beavers during a first-round game of the Pac-12 basketball tournament at T-Mobile Arena on March 7, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Beavers won 69-66 in overtime. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV – MARCH 07: David Crisp #1 of the Washington Huskies brings the ball up the court against the Oregon State Beavers during a first-round game of the Pac-12 basketball tournament at T-Mobile Arena on March 7, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Beavers won 69-66 in overtime. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

3) Slow the game down

This game may end up turning into a matter of tempo, and whoever can control it will have the clear advantage. While the Zags prefer high-paced games, with a lot of possessions and limited half-court sets, the Huskies have played most of the season at a slower pace.

Against most teams, a light increase in tempo would be manageable for Washington, but Gonzaga’s athleticism and depth would make it almost impossible for the Huskies to keep up for a full 40 minutes. However, if they can utilize the full shot clock, take intelligent shots, and limit fast break opportunities, they may prevent Gonzaga from finding their rhythm.

Controlling the pace does not guarantee the Zags will start slow, but allowing them to run the floor will almost certainly put the game out of reach early. If the Huskies can take the air out of the ball and force long possessions, they have a chance.