Gonzaga Basketball: 3 keys for the Bulldogs against North Alabama

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 09: Rui Hachimura #21 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs moves the ball past Grant Williams #2 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the first half of the game 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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CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA – DECEMBER 15: Seventh Woods #0 of the North Carolina Tar Heels drives against Josh Perkins #13 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the second half of their game at the Dean Smith Center on December 15, 2018 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. North Carolina won 103-90. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

1. More organized defense

Gonzaga can score the ball. That has well been established in its 13 games this season. But it also seriously struggles on preventing its opponents of doing the same thing. The Zags have allowed 75 points or more seven times this season, and are allowing an average of 73.9 ppg, which is No. 238 in the land. Prior to holding Denver to 40 points Friday, that average was 76.8 ppg.

While against Tennessee Gonzaga did do relatively well on the defensive side, Admiral Schofield notched a career-high 30 points, including the game-winning three. The Zags did hold Grant Williams, the other leg of the Volunteer’s one-two punch, to 16 points, which is below his season-average of 19.6, but he did foul out with 2:30 remaining in the game. On the other hand, against North Carolina, Gonzaga never looked in sync on the defensive end. The Tar Heels shot a red-hot 54.7% from field goal, while making 13 of 25 three-point attempts.

Like in the meeting with Tennessee, many of these three-point shots were largely uncontested due to the lack of communication and defensive switches. Tennessee shot 41.4% from deep. Another game were the Bulldogs’ defensive woes became apparent was at Creighton, which Gonzaga won 103-92. However, the Bluejays nailed 14 of 34 three-pointers.

Fortunately for Gonzaga, North Alabama is averaging only 65.8 ppg, No. 324 of 353 division one squads, and shooting a struggling 29.6% from three. Nonetheless, this meeting is a great opportunity for Few’s squad to ensure their fundamentals are on point. Many of the defensive struggles for the Bulldogs this season have spurred from pick and rolls, where both defenders have committed to the player with the ball. Poor zone defense for Gonzaga come tournament time could lead to an early exit, so every possible way of improving will be key.