Gonzaga Basketball: 3 keys to big neutral site matchup with Kentucky Wildcats

Although it’s not been as hectic as the previous Feast Week, these past few days have still provided us with several ranked matchups, including in the top 10. Saturday has another one, featuring No. 4 Kentucky (7-1) against No. 7 Gonzaga Basketball.

The Wildcats are coming off a tough road loss at Clemson. The final score was 70-66, with Otega Oweh (17 points) and Lamont Butler (16 points) leading the way offensively, while big man Amari Williams was one point shy of a double-double. They play a 9-man rotation with everyone getting 10+ mpg, but that may be different this weekend.

Gonzaga (7-1) last played in the Battle 4 Atlantis Tournament, which included a loss to West Virginia, followed by wins over Indiana and Davidson. The Bulldogs’ non-conference schedule also includes wins over Baylor, Arizona State, and San Diego State, all of whom have looked good to this point.

But Kentucky can become a signature win for Gonzaga if they can get this one. It’s a reunion with new head coach Mark Pope, who was at BYU when the program was still in the WCC. This is part of an extended series between the schools, with Gonzaga finding a way to win on the road last season in February, part of their late run to clinch yet another NCAA Tournament appearance.

It’s an important game for both sides regarding resume-building, with Gonzaga Basketball not having many more chances after this. Here are a few important keys to the Bulldogs leaving this weekend with a top-5 win.