Busting Brackets
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Gonzaga Basketball: 3 keys for the Bulldogs against North Carolina

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 09: Zach Norvell Jr. #23 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs reacts with teammates Josh Perkins #13 and Corey Kispert #24 during the second half of the game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Talking Stick Resort Arena on December 9, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Volunteers defeated the Bulldogs 76-73. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 09: Zach Norvell Jr. #23 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs reacts with teammates Josh Perkins #13 and Corey Kispert #24 during the second half of the game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Talking Stick Resort Arena on December 9, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Volunteers defeated the Bulldogs 76-73. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images /

2. Win the 3-point shootout

The 3-point line is something the Gonzaga Bulldogs struggled with last Sunday against the Volunteers. Tennessee outshot Gonzaga from behind the arc, going 12-of-29 (41.4 percent) but the Bulldogs weren’t too far behind them.

Gonzaga shot 38.9 percent from 3-point range but they made just seven 3-pointers through both halves of basketball. Forward Rui Hachimura went 0-for-2 and Norvell shot 3-of-8 in the second half as they ran out of firepower down the stretch.

The Bulldogs shot 27.3 percent from 3-point land in the second half and ended up falling in the end. They won the paint battle 32-20 and despite getting just five points from their bench, managed to lose by just three points.

Second half adjustments will need to come together for Gonzaga as they face a North Carolina team averaging 8.0 3-pointers per contest. The Tar Heels are shooting 35.3 percent from 3-point range but considering how they played against a ranked opponent last time, they could be out to prove they’re better than perception says. Winning the 3-point line will be key in sealing a victory on the road for Gonzaga.