Gonzaga Basketball: 3 keys for Round of 32 matchup with Memphis Tigers

By Bryan Mauro | Mar 18, 2022

PORTLAND, OREGON - MARCH 17: Drew Timme #2 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs huddles with teammates during the second half against the Georgia State Panthers in the first round game of the 2022 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 17, 2022 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

4 of 4

Andrew Nembhard Gonzaga Basketball (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

Start Fast

This should be the main thing to focus on. Gonzaga’s slow is how most teams play fast, but when the Bulldogs start fast, they put up points quickly, establish their big men on both ends of the floor and make threes.

They are going to need to do that in this game more than ever because if they score enough early Memphis likely won’t have the firepower to catch up and when Gonzaga starts early, and they make early baskets things come way easier for them. This is going to be a game that if the Bulldogs get going early can spiral for Memphis.

I think I speak for all Gonzaga fans when I say that the Bulldogs have not been starting as fast as some of us are used to. The first-round game was a perfect example. Gonzaga extended their feel-out period until the middle of the second half and they really turned it on. That does have a lot to do with the environment they were playing in as well as the team, but it was still a lot closer than many would have liked for too long. Don’t let Memphis hang around, Gonzaga is the better team and they need to show it from the opening tip.

Hopefully, the Bulldogs got it out of their system, and it is now down to business, with Kentucky out the path to the championship game got a little easier. Gonzaga still must clear the Memphis hurdle before going back to regroup for the second weekend.

dark. Next. Key storylines and questions for West Region

This matchup talent-wise is close on paper and if Gonzaga doesn’t play well it could spell trouble for the Bulldogs. Get out and run from the opening tip to the ending horn and things will be okay, make sure to slow Memphis way down on the defensive side of the ball, as Memphis wants a track meet as much as the Zags do.