BYU Basketball: 2019-20 keys for game at Gonzaga Bulldogs

LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 06: Killian Tillie #33 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs comes up with a loose ball against Dalton Nixon #33 of the Brigham Young Cougars during the championship game of the West Coast Conference basketball tournament at the Orleans Arena on March 6, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Bulldogs won 74-54. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

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LAS VEGAS, NV – MARCH 06: Zach Norvell Jr. /

2. BYU has to throttle high-flying Zag offense

Gonzaga sports the #1 team in KenPom’s adjusted offensive efficiency. The Bulldogs are averaging 87.8 ppg, the best in the country by 3.4 ppg over Central Michigan and Eastern Washington.

The Zags have six players averaging in double-figure scoring and a seventh, freshman Drew Timme, scoring 9.2 ppg. The six are led by 6’11 sophomore Filip Petrusev with 16.6 ppg and 7.9 rpg.

The rest include junior Corey Kispert (14.1 ppg, 3.9 rpg), senior Killian Tillie (12.2 ppg, 4.8 rpg), sophomore Joel Ayayi (10.9 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 3.7 apg), senior Ryan Woolridge (10.5 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 4.5 apg), and graduate transfer Admon Gilder (10.9 ppg, 2.9 rpg).

BYU’s strength on defense is on the perimeter. The Cougars are #7 in the country in opposing three-point percentage at 27.2%. Unfortunately, the Zags are #241 in relying on three-pointers as it only accounts for 28.2% of their points.

The Cougars are going to have to concentrate on their interior defense. They are ranked #68 in adjusted defensive efficiency.

Nixon is probably their best defender inside. It was his block on Jordan Ford that sent the Saint Mary’s game into overtime. BYU feeds off Seljaas’ energy but he lacks the strength to go up against bigger opponents. Lee will also have to step up his game defensively.