Can we take down Gonzaga?

[Duff Man]

Unfortunately, I will not be able to duck out of work tomorrow afternoon, but I'm hoping for a statement game from the Buffs. Question is, can we do it?

 

[Darth Snow]

If they have a real center, don't think so. Texas Southern's center KILLED us.

 

[Buffnik]

We have to hold our own on the defensive glass, force turnovers, and outshoot them. They've got a major size advantage. Robert Sacre, their 7'0" Center, is averaging 17 ppg while pulling down 6.5 rpg. His backup is a 7'5" senior, Will Foster. They've got a few other guys that are like 6'10/6'11.

Even with all they've got going for them, though, this is not one of the great Gonzaga teams. FWIW, the EASPORTS sim of the game came out Zags 79 - Buffs 71 (with the Zags going on to win the tourney).

Unfortunately, I'm going to have to DVR the game and watch it afterward.

 

[Ruckus]

We have to hold our own on the defensive glass, force turnovers, and outshoot them. They've got a major size advantage. Robert Sacre, their 7'0" Center, is averaging 17 ppg while pulling down 6.5 rpg. His backup is a 7'5" senior, Will Foster. They've got a few other guys that are like 6'10/6'11.

Even with all they've got going for them, though, this is not one of the great Gonzaga teams. FWIW, the EASPORTS sim of the game came out Zags 79 - Buffs 71 (with the Zags going on to win the tourney).

Unfortunately, I'm going to have to DVR the game and watch it afterward.

They are still a very good team. It will be a very tough game to steal, but I think we have some talent to surprise them. Biggest thing will be their biggest things. Gotta box-out hard and have everyone attack the glass. Even the point guards to get some long rebounds or to slap at the ball low if one of their bigs gets the offensive board and brings the ball down.

 

[ko_leos]

I don't get to follow American sports much anymore since I live on the other side of the world, but I did happen to catch the Michigan State v Gonzaga game. Their bigs are really strong and helped to give State a run for their money. I think they will expose our biggest flaw easily and dominate us in the game. Unless we can maintain really hot shooting and be halfway decent on the boards, I don't see us being able to stay with them much.

Nonetheless, go Buffs!!

 

[SECOBuffsFan]

We will find out a lot about Relaphorde, Dufault, Crawford, Beckley and Eckloff tomorrow...cause they are all going to have to play huge. We can't go small tomorrow.

 

[dabuffffs]

We have no chance on the glass. Their freshman power forward Elias Harris may be the best freshman in America, no joke. The guy played professionally for like 3 years in Germany including playing on the German national team last summer. He is a legit threat. Then they have 3rd year sophomore Robert Sacre at the center position. I watched this guy against Michigan State, he looks like a top 5 NBA prospect in another year. He has a tough hook shot and is very athletic for his size.

They have some pretty good guards but I think our backcourt is as good as theirs. Higgins is really impressing me lately and I think he is going to seize the opportunity in Maui to showcase his skill, where there will likely be a ton of NBA scouts. We are a 3 point shooting team, if we're on we have a chance. We are going to have to spread the floor and get Gonzaga's bigs into foul trouble. Their 7'5" backup center is garbage too. If Sacre gets into foul trouble for them we may have a chance. It all boils down to how well we shoot the ball. Higgins and Burks will show up but will Dufault, Thorne, Relphorde and Tomlinson come to play? If they do we have a chance.

 

[Mick Ronson]

i'm with those who don't like the matchups too much. but, you never know....weird things happen this early. Santa Clara beat the UNC juggernaut with Sean May, McCants, Felton etc.

 

[BuffLuke80]

If we play against the same Gonzaga team that played Michigan St., Id say it would be a tall task. That said it is early. If we can get some transition going and hit some timely 3's ya never know.

 

[KingPants]

We have no chance on the glass. Their freshman power forward Elias Harris may be the best freshman in America, no joke. The guy played professionally for like 3 years in Germany.

I am pretty sure that is against the rules, or at least should be.

 

[Buffnik]

I am pretty sure that is against the rules, or at least should be.

Seems weird to me, too, that European guys can play professionally before going to a US college to play basketball, but...

SlipperStillFits.com has a profile and interview up on him. Harris has been playing professionally in Germany's ProB league (basically a 3rd division developmental league).

 

[tante]

We are going to have to shoot better than 60% if we want to have any chance of winning this one.

 

[HotRack]

Doing good so far...Buffs up 40-29 at half! Worried Gonzaga is going to start pounding the lane with Sacre in second half though. Hopefully we can get him in foul trouble.

 

[Ruckus]

Doing good so far...Buffs up 40-29 at half! Worried Gonzaga is going to start pounding the lane with Sacre in second half though. Hopefully we can get him in foul trouble.

Damn this McClain is one passionate bastard!! I love his attitude.

Buffs 56 Zags 47 11:32 left.

 

[Darth Snow]

**** that buzzer beater

 

[BuffaloChuck]

Post-game... ultimately, "no", but we looked a lot better than the team that ended last year with 12 straight losses, or the 2-19 season-ending stretch team.

Up big in the first half, up by 11 at halftime and while the Buffs didn't hang on to win, at least they pushed the Zags hard.

This could be another great start like last season.