Gonzaga Basketball: 3 keys for Bulldogs to beat No. 16 Virginia Cavaliers

Gonzaga Basketball: 3 keys for Bulldogs to defeat No. 16 Virginia Cavaliers

Nov 26, 2020; Fort Myers, Florida, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Corey Kispert (24), Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Jalen Suggs (1), Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Andrew Nembhard (3), Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Drew Timme (2) huddle up against the Kansas Jayhawks during the second half at Suncoast Credit Union Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

3 of 4

Virginia Cavaliers Trey Murphy III David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /

Contain Trey Murphy of Virginia

Virginia’s three-point shooter is similar to Gonzaga in that there’s one top-tier shooter (forward Sam Hauser), along with a sharpshooting guard (Thomas Woldetensae). Outside of center Jay Huff taking one a game, almost everyone else is considered a below-average or worse shooter.

The exception is Trey Murphy, a 6’9 guard/forward transfer from Rice. In the first two seasons with the Owls, Murphy shot 40% from three-point range. So far with the Cavaliers, the guard has made 11/21 for 52% from deep. He’s added a different dimension on the offense and he comes off the bench to play multiple different positions.

Murphy will be needed for Virginia to either rebound the ball against Joel Ayayi, defend Kispert on the wing, or space the floor against Anton Watson at the forward spot. If played correctly, Murphy may be the biggest impact player on this game against Gonzaga.

And that’s why the Bulldogs must pay heavy attention to him. If he gets hot from deep, Virginia may be able to keep up on offense. And he may be the ideal defender for Kispert to prevent his shooting on the other end. He must go for double-digits on offense and play good defense but if Gonzaga can stop him from shooting, Murphy’s potential impact will be heavily dented.