A look at some key storylines for the epic Gonzaga and Baylor matchup of the top teams in the nation.
For the first time since 2008, there will be a #1 vs. #2 matchup that does not feature Kansas, Duke, or Kentucky. That matchup featured the likes of Derrick Rose and John Calipari-led Memphis against Tennessee. Twelve years later, it sets up for a matchup with two coaches at the top of their game in Mark Few and Scott Drew of Gonzaga and Baylor Basketball.
Both teams dazzled in their first games in Indianapolis, solidifying this matchup to be between two undefeated as well. The first game of the Jimmy V featured Gonzaga and West Virginia, with the Bulldogs pulling away 87-82. Although Drew Timme did not have his best day shooting (7-17), It was Joel Ayayi and Andrew Nembhard that led the way for Gonzaga with 21 and 19 respectively.
Andrew Nembhard is easily the MVP of this game for me.
— Brenna Greene (@BrennaGreene_) December 3, 2020
In the final two minutes he lead a 6-0 Gonzaga run that put the game away. Had a transition lay up to start the run and then two clutch assists. pic.twitter.com/mz6nOnQyOp
Even with having freshman guard Jalen Suggs out for half of the game, the team was able to carry the load, shooting 49% from the field and forcing 15 West Virginia turnovers.
For Baylor, they went toe to toe with #5 Illinois and walked away with an impressive 82-69 win over the Fighting Illini. Four Bears would score in double figures, with Presbyterian transfer guard Adam Flagler leading the way with 18 points. The Bears outrebounded Illinois and had a 2-1 assist to turnover ratio.
2 Baylor lobs off the same empty ball screen set in the 2nd half tonight pic.twitter.com/2fbnrRCcFg
— Jordan Sperber (@hoopvision68) December 3, 2020
Baylor’s star Jared Butler did not have his best game (6-18, 12 points), but it was the trio of other guards that picked up the load for the Bears. Both teams won in their own way and have been their formula to winning over the past few seasons.
This could very well be a matchup we see again in March and two teams that have the mentality of “Final Four or bust”. With the two teams colliding on Saturday, here are five key storylines to watch out for over the course of the 40 minutes.