Texas vs Gonzaga: 2021-22 key storylines to watch for top-5 matchup

Oct 31, 2021; Spokane, WA, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs center Chet Holmgren (34) points to the guy he was covering during a game against the Eastern Oregon Mountaineers in the second half at McCarthey Athletic Center. Bulldogs won 115-62. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports /

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Gonzaga Bulldogs Drew Timme BYU Cougars forward Caleb Lohner Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Gonzaga’s ability to attack the net

It is one thing to have an advantage, it is a whole other thing to be able to benefit from the advantage. That is the reason why this storyline is not about Texas being able to prevent Gonzaga from getting to the rim, but it is specifically about Gonzaga deciding to, something they did not decide to do versus an undersized Dixie State team on Tuesday.

The first ten shots Gonzaga attempted versus Dixie State consisted of – in order – two of three driving layups made, two missed three-pointers and a made short hook in the paint after an offensive rebound. Then Gonzaga preceded to miss three straight three-pointers and a layup off an offensive board. By the time the first media time-out rolled around, Gonzaga was up 6-0 with all six points coming at the rim.

Even if the Bulldogs do not consistently post up and back down in the paint, the size and dribbling capabilities of Timme and Holmgren should allow them to keep their defender on their hip as they drive to the basket. As demonstrated versus Dixie State, if the threes are not dropping, help defenders can commit more, but the Bulldogs have options to dominate the paint, and they will need to exploit this advantage to stay ahead of Texas.