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

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Fousseyni Traore has looked surprisingly adept in his expanded role, albeit against some lackluster competition. The Zags should attack the paint heavily with any combination of Drew Timme, Chet Holmgren, and Anton Watson to open the game and have Traore prove that he can stay on the floor.

The workload will also overextend forward Caleb Lohner, who has had a difficult time with a larger spotlight this season. As the game goes on, placing pressure on the Cougars to help defend the three post players will allow for better and better looks for guys like Julian Strawther, Rasir Bolton, and Nolan Hickman. BYU is great at guarding the three-point line with their length provided by Lohner, Traeore, Seneca Knight, and Gideon George, but needing to help hedge against Timme and Holmgren should open things up.

A key matchup will no doubt be Traore versus Holmgren. Traore has shown promise on the offensive glass with a 15.8% offensive rebound rate. If Holmgren can continue owning the defensive glass, this only helps Gonzaga broaden their advantage.

The Cougars are middling when it comes to opponent free throw attempts, which could become a major issue when trying to slow down Timme and Holmgren.