Busting Brackets
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Gonzaga Basketball: Takeaways from blowout road win over Texas A&M

By Lukas Harkins

SPOKANE, WASHINGTON - NOVEMBER 12: Ryan Woolridge #4 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs drives against Marlon Stewart #1 of the North Dakota Fighting Hawks in the second half at McCarthey Athletic Center on November 12, 2019 in Spokane, Washington. Gonzaga defeats North Dakota 97-66. (Photo by William Mancebo/Getty Images)
SPOKANE, WASHINGTON - NOVEMBER 12: Ryan Woolridge #4 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs drives against Marlon Stewart #1 of the North Dakota Fighting Hawks in the second half at McCarthey Athletic Center on November 12, 2019 in Spokane, Washington. Gonzaga defeats North Dakota 97-66. (Photo by William Mancebo/Getty Images) /
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ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 30: Kispert of Gonzaga defends. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 30: Kispert of Gonzaga defends. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

1. How about that defense?

Gonzaga has always been one of the better offensive units in the country but usually, do not get enough credit for their defensive play. The Bulldogs have definitely had their lockdown years (such as 2017, for example) but they have exhibited a more efficient offense than defense in 15 of the last 18 years (the entirety of the KenPom era). While that could definitely be the case once again during this coming campaign, their defense was incredibly impressive against Texas A&M.

Over the course of the final 33 minutes of this contest, the Bulldogs held the Aggies to just 12-for-46 (26.1%) from the field and 2-for-17 (11.8%) from beyond the arc. Texas A&M might not have been the most efficient offensive unit heading into this game but Gonzaga’s sheer dominance with their coverage needs to be noted. It is simply impossible to ignore how locked-in the Bulldogs are even after losing several key contributors this offseason.

Gonzaga’s main rotation features four newcomers this season but they are showing no signs of weakness on the defensive end of the floor. The Bulldogs are vocal in calling out their coverages and are using their athleticism and length to disrupt shots from distance and in the paint. They swatted six shots away in this game while also coming away with 10 steals. Furthermore, looking back at the film reiterates just how well the team is closing out on jump-shooters and contesting every shot.

Considering Gonzaga’s number of newcomers, their defense is definitely ahead of schedule for this season. That even goes without mentioning that Killian Tillie, who averaged 12.9p/5.9r/1.7a/0.8s/1.0b per game in his last healthy season, is expected to return from injury in a few weeks. He will only help the team on both ends of the floor.