Gonzaga Basketball: Takeaways from strong home win over North Carolina

SPOKANE, WASHINGTON - DECEMBER 18: Corey Kispert #24 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs controls the ball against Andrew Patek #3 of the North Carolina Tar Heels in the second half at McCarthey Athletic Center on December 18, 2019 in Spokane, Washington. Gonzaga defeats North Carolina 94-81. (Photo by William Mancebo/Getty Images) /

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SPOKANE, WASHINGTON – DECEMBER 18: Gonzaga t-shirts are draped. (Photo by William Mancebo/Getty Images) /

Gonzaga basketball recently defended “The Kennel” against North Carolina to reach 12-1 on the year. What were some of the major takeaways from the win?

Gonzaga basketball continues to look like easily one of the best teams in the entire country. While some other squads across the nation have suffered head-scratching losses to lower-level teams, the Bulldogs have simply handled their business (aside from their loss to Michigan – but that is worth forgiving). Additionally, Gonzaga’s non-conference schedule has featured several tough challenges as “haters” should have no stance against the team this season. Of course, they will still find a way…but I digress. [Note: I’m not a Gonzaga fan – just don’t understand the constant disrespect.]

On Dec. 18th, the Bulldogs once again secured a high-level victory, this time over a blueblood program. Even though North Carolina has certainly struggled in recent weeks while dropping out of the AP Top 25, nobody should be overlooking this performance by Gonzaga. Not only did the Bulldogs defend their home-court against another high-major opponent, but they did so with ease. Gonzaga led for 37:17 of its game against North Carolina en route to a 13-point victory. The margin, though, doesn’t necessarily display that this contest was never particularly close in the second half.

441. 94. 541. Final. 81

With this victory in tow…let’s take a look at Gonzaga’s current resume. Through the opening month and a half of this season, the Bulldogs have already secured victories over Texas A&M (away), UT-Arlington (home), Oregon (neutral), Washington (away), Arizona (away), and North Carolina (home). If that isn’t the best collection of top-tier wins in the country, it is pretty darn close. Gonzaga looks the part of being one of the best teams this season and it is time to start believing the hype surrounding the team as a national title contender…again.

Backpedaling to this most recent win over the Tar Heels, though, what were some of the biggest takeways for the Bulldogs? Let’s dive a bit deeper into the victory to break it down.