Iowa Basketball: 3 keys for Hawkeyes to beat No. 1 Gonzaga Bulldogs

2. Outscore the Bulldogs

Beat Gonzaga in a shootout? Is that even possible?

It’s going to have to be if Iowa wants to win.

Iowa is actually pretty fortunate because they’re probably the better shooting team. While Gonzaga is a good shooting team, like they usually are, Iowa is a great shooting team. The Hawkeyes have at least five players who are reliable from beyond the arc, that includes Garza, Bohannon, Wieskamp, Connor McCaffery, and CJ Frederick.

As a team, the Hawkeyes shoot the ball at just south of 40% from beyond the arc. That can get it done against just about anybody. They are also holding opponents to shooting just 38% from the field, so on the rare occasion that Gonzaga has an off-night shooting the ball, that could tip the scales in favor of Iowa.

Out-shooting Gonzaga is easier said than done, however. Everyone on the floor for the Bulldogs is also a reliable shooter, just like Iowa. Suggs can knock it down. Ayayi isn’t shooting as well as he usually does but could get hot any game now. Kispert can shoot it. Timme is a sniper behind the arc. If Iowa wants a chance to win, they’ll have to slow down the Bulldogs’ shooters and they have to get hot.