Gonzaga Basketball: 3 biggest keys to beat BYU Cougars in Provo in 2021

Jan 7, 2021; Spokane, Washington, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Corey Kispert (24) goes up for a shot against Brigham Young Cougars forward Kolby Lee (40) in the first half of a WCC menÕs basketball game at McCarthey Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports /

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Gonzaga Basketball Rich Pedroncelli/Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Don’t let BYU believe an upset can happen

After Gonzaga’s dominant non-conference performance, it was widely viewed that they would run through the WCC. And so far, they have on paper, not having a game decided by less than 14 points (at Saint Mary’s). But the one game that was circled as a potential loss was at Provo.

The Cougars beat the Bulldogs last season and along with Saint Mary’s, is the only program with a genuine belief that they can pull off the upset. And we’ve seen worse BYU rosters beat top-5 Gonzaga teams.

But the Bulldogs, as they have against just about everyone, can take that belief in a hurry. The first game in Spokane was effectively over after the 20-2 start and to be honest, Gonzaga could’ve won by 40 points had they not taken the foot off the gas midway through the second half. The gap of talent on the perimeter was evident and the 16 forced turnovers created a number of easy buckets on the other end.

The Pacific game on Thursday will do one of two things for this game. It could give BYU the gameplan needed to beat Gonzaga, and the Cougars actually have the personnel to do what the Tigers did even better. But it also could motivate the Bulldogs after 30 minutes of a serious wake-up call. They’ve been accused of “sleepwalking” through the WCC and there may have been an emotional letdown from not landing Houston or Villanova.

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BYU can effectively clinch its ticket to the NCAA Tournament with a win on Monday against Gonzaga. And with the Gaels down a bit, this is the likely last real shot at the Bulldogs losing in the regular season. Both teams should be up for this Monday night clash but will the Cougars have magic for another upset?

If not now, there may not be a when for the rest of the WCC.