Gonzaga Basketball: 3 keys to beat UConn Huskies in Elite 8 matchup

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MARCH 23: Julian Strawther #0 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs shoots the game-winning three-point basket during the second half against the UCLA Bruins in the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at T-Mobile Arena on March 23, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /

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Tyger Campbell #10 of the UCLA Bruins drives past Malachi Smith #13 and Anton Watson #22 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Clog the passing lanes

We’ve talked about UConn’s big men, but Dan Hurley has a lot of talent on the perimeter, too. The Huskies aren’t just good, they’re looooooong, with Tristen Newton, Jordan Hawkins, and Andre Jackson, Jr. all standing at least 6’5″. Perhaps this size advantage is why UConn ranks in the top 13 in the country in both offensive and defensive assist rate.

Let’s be clear. Gonzaga is not known for its defense. But in this game, the Bulldogs won’t be able to simply outscore the Huskies. The Zags upped the intensity in the second half against UCLA, and though they were praised during the broadcast, the Bruins still missed a lot of open shots due to tired legs. Still, they can’t revert to the form that has led to their being ranked 73rd in defensive efficiency according to KenPom.

UConn’s ability to move and share the basketball is Gonzaga’s biggest hurdle to overcome. Tristen Newton and Andre Jackson, Jr. combine for over nine assists a game on their own. The Zags don’t quite match the size of the Huskies’ backcourt, but they have more length and athleticism than most teams UConn has faced. The first half against UCLA showed exactly what not to do, as Gonzaga gave up easy basket after easy basket. They need to bring the fire from the opening tip and show UConn that there will be no free points.

Part of the solution might be Malachi Smith. The Chattanooga transfer sparked Gonzaga in the second half on Thursday night, scoring 12 of his 14 points, but just as importantly, he locked up UCLA table-setter Tyger Campbell. At one point, UCLA went over 11 minutes without a field goal, an unthinkable drought at this level. Based on that performance alone, Smith deserves more minutes.

The unifying theme in what has brought down most great Gonzaga teams is defense. Mark Few has deservedly garnered a reputation as one of the best coaches in the country, but fair or not, until his team can lock up and win a national title, he’ll be a rich man’s Mike D’Antoni, leading teams that are fun to watch, but ultimately come up short of the sport’s pinnacle.