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

March 7, 2022; Las Vegas, NV, USA; San Francisco Dons guard Julian Rishwain (2) dribbles the basketball against Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Hunter Sallis (10) during the first half in the semifinals of the WCC Basketball Championships at Orleans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

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Gonzaga Basketball forward Drew Timme Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Feed Timme the ball all game

Technically speaking, Drew Timme is good against every WCC team. But he’s been especially good against the Dons. In five games where he’s been a full-time starter for Gonzaga, he’s averaging 20.6 ppg and 7.6 rpg, including a 28-point and 10-rebound game as a sophomore.

For some reason, San Francisco has the bigs to deal with Timme but none of them have worked. That includes Josh Kunen, who has started 15 games this season. And then there’s Saba Gigiberia, a 7’1 center and transfer from Georgia Tech. He does have 12 starts this season but only averages 11.1 rpg, producing 5.2 ppg and 3.4 rpg.

Also part of the frontcourt rotation includes stretch forward Zane Meeks and 7’1 reserve big Volodymry Markovetskyy. UC-San Diego transfer Toni Rocak was supposed to be an impact player but his minutes have dwindled as of late.

Expect each of them to play Timme and use as many fouls as possible. The Dons haven’t doubled Timme in the past as much but could with new head coach Chris Gerlufsen. Having Timme make free throws is much better than having him one-on-one but that would only make it easier for the others to get to the line if they’re in the bonus quicker.

Either way, Gonzaga needs to make sure Timme gets the ball in almost every possession, as good things tend to happen when he plays the Dons.