Gonzaga Basketball: Key storylines for 2019-2020 home matchup with Pacific

Will Pacific’s Jahlil Tripp continue his ascent?

Jahlil Tripp could be the best player in the WCC right now. Read that again if you’d like — it’s not an exaggeration. The senior guard has been on an absolute tear as of late, even though Pacific hasn’t been experiencing the same success. His recent scoring explosion began with a 39-point performance in the quadruple-overtime win over St. Mary’s, and he’s exceeded his scoring average in every game since then. His game tends to morph based on what the Tigers need on any given day, and practically the only thing he doesn’t do on a high level is make threes.

The matchup with Tripp will be another big test for top GU defensive guard Ryan Woolridge, who has shut down high-quality NBA prospects  (holding Nico Mannion to 3-for-20 shooting in Tucson) but has also logged some forgettable defensive performances (Colbey Ross dropping 24 points in The Kennel). Few has referred to Woolridge as the best defensive guard he has ever coached, and that assessment feels accurate when he is locked in defending the perimeter.

Tripp also draws contact frequently and gets calls — he draws 6.2 fouls per 40 minutes, and he often plays 30+. Woolridge (as well as Tillie, Timme and Petrusev down low) in foul trouble could likely be a reality at the end of the game, but Ayayi’s length as a second option should that happen could be desirable too.

If Pacific is to have any chance to steal a win from this Gonzaga team, then Tripp will have to go off as he did against SMC. Woolridge is certainly up to the challenge, but we’ll have to wait until game time to see who shows up.