Gonzaga Basketball: 2023 keys to avoiding road upset at San Francisco

Gonzaga Basketball is unbeaten in WCC play, which is an annual theme with this team. But between them finally looking vulnerable – which is a stretch considering that they’re still a top-10 team, and the rest of the conference looking competitive top to bottom, don’t expect as many blowouts.

Even in the 111-88 victory over Pepperdine, the Waves were tied at 36 late in the first half, before the Bulldogs ran away with it afterward. It was another superb effort from star center Drew Timme, who went for 35 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists. Julian Strawther had 22 points on 8/14 shooting, one of six players in double figures on the night.

Gonzaga (12-3, 1-0) now goes on the road to face off against San Francisco (11-6, 0-2), who had a solid non-conference campaign that included a win over a ranked Arizona State squad before Christmas. But the Dons didn’t end the 2022 year well, losing at Santa Clara and then at home vs San Diego to open league play.

The 80-68 setback to the Toreros was really bad, considering that they didn’t have either Eric Williams or Jaiden Delaire in the game. Khalil Shabazz, who leads in scoring on the season, had 22 points and eight rebounds in the game but it wasn’t enough.

Now 0-2, the Dons are desperate for a win and historically have played Gonzaga tough at home. And even without head coach Todd Golden or star guard Jamaree Bouyea around, this program still looks like a threat to make a top-half finish in the WCC.

The Bulldogs shouldn’t take San Francisco lightly this week. Here are some keys to making sure they don’t get upset.