Gonzaga Basketball: 2021-22 keys for Bulldogs to beat BYU at home

By Tuck Clarry | Jan 13, 2022

Dec 18, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Anton Watson (22), guard Julian Strawther (0) and center Chet Holmgren (34) against the Texas Tech Red Raiders during the Colangelo Classic at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

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Gonzaga Basketball guard Andrew Nembhard Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Continue passing the basketball

Gonzaga’s offense has remained one of the best passing teams in the country, averaging 18.2 assists per game. Additionally, the Zags have proven to completely dismantle a defense if point guard Andrew Nembhard is allowed to find his preferred passing angles. BYU’s defense, while great at using their length to force tough shots, does not count their backcourt defense as a point of attack.

The Cougars rank 298th in the country in defensive turnover rate and 329th in steal rate as well. That lack of ball pressure will allow Nembhard to have the game come to him rather than force his decisions. Since the loss to Alabama, Nembhard is averaging 1.4 turnovers and 4.0 assists over his last five games. He racked up eight assists in just 20 minutes in the Zags’ matchup with Pepperdine.

If Nembhard is able to get the trio of bigs operating in their preferred spots, this game may become out of reach early.