Alabama vs Gonzaga: 2021-22 key storylines for top-20 matchup

How will this game go down?

What makes Alabama so dangerous is that they’re fully capable of going off offensively. Under head coach Nate Oats, this team has consistently been a top-20 offense nationally and is on pace to do that in 2021-22, including from three-point range, where this team will take on an average of 30 attempts a game.

Among the rotational players, most of them are comfortable taking 3s. Shackelford takes an average of nearly 10 a game, making about 39% of them. Keon Ellis is 47% and Darius Miles is 43% from deep as well, with just Quinerly being the only below-average shooter (26%) but thrives slashing to the basket and creating plays for others.

The Crimson Tide wants to play fast and run up the score, but so does Gonzaga. The WCC juggernaut has led the nation in scoring for three straight years and is on pace to do it a 4th if they dominate league play once again. Coach Mark Few’s offense wants to run it and have it as fast-paced as possible, without much disruption. Duke was able to cause some in the last game, whereas both UCLA and Texas caused little pressure in those matchups.

There are two big keys to the game that can singlehandedly decide this game. One being how Gonzaga and Timme defends Alabama’s backcourt, and the other being how Alabama guards Timme on the inside. Considering that Williams of Duke outplayed Timme last Friday, it’s possible that Bediako can hold his own as well. And on the other side, the Bulldogs have actually been good at defending talented opposing guards so far this season and have the ability to do so again on Saturday.

Ultimately, the talent gap between the top-7 of Gonzaga and top-7 of Alabama, combined with the Bulldogs playing close to home gives the advantage on paper to the favorites. The Tide will need Shackelford to potentially go for 30 points to get the win but Timme is more likely to do that, which would give Gonzaga the victory.

Prediction: Gonzaga 89, Alabama 75