It's Sparty time: Gonzaga travels to East Lansing
by Max Mandel on Nov 16, 2009 10:51 PM PST
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PrintThe fact that Gonzaga is heading to East Lansing to take on the #2 ranked team in the country is why I love Gonzaga basketball so much. While other teams are kicking off the season facing pathetic competition, this team is instead taking on one of the best teams in the country on their home court. Even as I sit and I write this preview, I truly have no idea what to actually expect from this game. I tend to think that Michigan St. enters this season a little overrated. I understand that they made the national championship game this past season, and that Kalin Lucas is one of the elite guards in the entire country. However, there are numerous question marks about the front court for the Spartans, and they have already battled some injuries early in the season. Also, I think that Michigan St. is a classic example of a team that got hot at the right time at the end of last season, and everyone seems to think that form will carry over into this season. I do think this game will be a great challenge and test for the young Zags, but don't include me in the camp that thinks keeping this game close would be a great accomplishment.
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After watching this team for two games, I believe that Elias Harris and Rob Sacre present a huge advantage for this team. Although Delvon Roe is a highly skilled guy, he doesn't have a lot of experience playing against guys like Rob Sacre and Elias Harris. Equally important is the fact that Raymar Morgan has battled an injury throughout the preseason, and has been limited in practice and games. Elias and Rob have the opportunity to use their size and athleticism to set the tone and dominate in the paint. I know it's something that I have mentioned numerous times, but the fact that both these guys played against great competition with their respective national teams this summer means they will not be intimidated by some highly ranked recruits. With that said, I think one of the huge keys to securing this victory will be getting contributions from a third big guy. This could be any one of Will, Kelly, or Andy, but one of them needs to step up and provide minutes and production.
With the front court being an advantage for Gonzaga, this game will ultimately come down to how well the Zags can slow down the Spartans back court. Meech Goodson will have his hands full in trying to limit Kalin Lucas. However, Meech is one of the rare guys in the country that can actually match the quickness that Lucas has. Meech must be prepared to play physical in the half court and also be ready to run the half court offense offensively. Steven Gray and Matt Bouldin will also have to play at a high level to slow down Chris Allen and Durrell Summers. Both are solid role guys for Tom Izzo, so Steven and Matt must be ready to play strong defense, while also attacking the rim when the opportunity is presented.
The other factor that I have to weigh in when making this decision is just how this team will respond to playing in front of a hostile and loud crowd. However, with the experience that guys like Matt, Steven, Rob, and Meech have had playing in front of difficult crowds, I think that the freshman will have a solid understanding of how to handle the pressure and intensity that will be thrown their way. After thinking about this game for the past 24 hours, I have decided to put my credibility on the line with this prediction. Behind a breakout performance from Meech Goodson, the Zags go into East Lansing and leave with a 76-68 victory.
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I'm glad someone is still up!
CalST Fullerton beat UCLA in OT at UCLA and SM is up 29-9 against SDS at home! Lots of hoop all night long!
MSU by 12 or Zags by 2? I’m covered!
Fullerton-UCLA
Literally set college basketball back 10 years. I haven’t seen offense like that in a long time. Felt like I was watching an old WSU “Bennett” ball game against a horrible team.
It is going to be a historically bad Pac-10 this season if UCLA is this bad all year long.
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How about SM?
What a thrashing od SDS that was last night! SM looked very good! I think SDS was picked 2nd in their Conf,?
Huge win for SMC, Terrible loss for SDSU
Even though it is early in the season, you have to wonder how that loss affects San Diego State’s NCAA Tournament resume. These big time mid-major match ups can really hurt or help you. San Diego State should be solid in the MWC but this loss will show up in bold on their resume if they don’t get the automatic bid. That’s why those type of “bracketbuster” games can make or break a team. I’m interested to see where San Diego State goes from here. The Mountain West is extremely competitive this season.
For SMC, this is obviously huge and they have come out of the gates with an obvious chip on their shoulder. They hear that Portland and Gonzaga are getting all the hype in this conference and you can bet that it is pumping them up, especially Omar Samhan. If McConnell keeps lighting it up from outside, Dellavedova can continue to be an impract freshman, and Samhan can lead this team, Saint Mary’s is going to make a lot of noise come conference play. Very impressed with the Gaels.
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Great write-up by Andy about SMC
This Saint Mary’s team has been a huge surprise thus far. I don’t remember them playing this well with Patty and Diamon Simpson last year. Here’s a great write up by Andy Katz with some thoughts from Randy Bennett: http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?entryID=4662532&name=katz_andy
by ZagsFanatic on Nov 17, 2009 10:02 AM PST up reply actions
UCLA
That was easily one of the most painful games I have ever had the displeasure of watching. There was no offense outside of passing the ball around the perimeter and taking long 3’s once the clock ran down. I will be incredibly surprised if UCLA makes the tournament this year.
Zagnificent - GU Class of 2011
UCLA looked like a bunch of stiffs
You had to see this game to believe it. UCLA just stood around and waited for someone else to score. Trouble was all 5 guys on the floor were doing this.
Fullerton played like they wanted this one . . . and they got it. Props to Fullerton!
mjc
by quidveritas on Nov 17, 2009 12:30 PM PST up reply actions
BTW
Don’t expect Bol Kong to be in East Lansing. He has yet to crack the top 12 rotation thus far at Gonzaga. Hopefully he can continue to work and break through. There is definitely a need on this team for a swing player that can score on this team but it is up to him and his ability to improve his play on both ends of the court.
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Eh
I must say I am a little frustrated that Bol isn’t getting off to the start I was expecting but at the same time I think we all knew he wouldn’t really factor into the game tonight either way so my response is an “eh”. Disappointed and frustrated but not shocked so eh.
by coltinjespersen on Nov 17, 2009 10:02 AM PST up reply actions
Must watch clip
Best Gonzaga game I’ve ever watched…happened to be against MSU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOGRtwF37ys
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I'm still confused
I’ve spent a lot and I mean a lot of time going over this team and trying to get a grasp on everything but I just can’t seem to do it. There are so many question marks, possibilities and surprises that I just don’t know what to do. My friends keep asking me about tonight and I really don’t know how to respond to their questions because I just don’t know! In my personal opinion I think tonight will be a competitive game with Michigan St. winning by somewhere between 6-12 points. I think we will be able to hold our own but there will be one point or another where we just lose focus and during that time period it will cost us dearly. If we can play for 40 mins then we have a shot to win. There are just so many different things that can happen tonight with so many different variables that I just don’t know what to think anymore. Zach I don’t know if you were planning on putting up a poll or not but do you think you could put up a poll with several different possibilities for tonights outcome? For example Gonzaga wins by 10+, Gonzaga wins in a close one, Michigan St wins in a close one, Michigan St by 10+. I’d like to see what other people think about tonights game and how they view the outcome. Thanks!
by coltinjespersen on Nov 17, 2009 10:17 AM PST reply actions
Good to have you back, coltin
Always love to hear your thoughts and I think you really nailed it with your observations. I’ve gotten a few texts asking me what I think and I haven’t been able to respond because I have no clue. I’m 80% sure it’ll be close but the cool part is that 5% of me thinks Gonzaga can win this game and kind of convincingly. Obviously that other 15% is MSU in a rout but I’m trying to ignore that part.
As for your poll, ask and you shall receive!
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Accuscore Predictions
Accuscore is giving better odds than you, Zach. They give GU a 32% chance of winning, and predict a final score of 78.6-70.1.
by ZagsFanatic on Nov 17, 2009 10:56 AM PST up reply actions
My Accuscore
is all over the map. I’ve been 50-50 on this game and I’ve been 99-1 Michigan State. I’m just worried that it might be too much, too soon for such an inexperienced team. That is my biggest worry. I know the talent is there and I think our starting lineup is just outstanding but it is November 17th…and we have a freshman starter, two true freshman contributors, and two redshirt freshman contributors. It can’t be emphasized enough how crucial our starting guards are in this game. Matt and Steven must be sensational.
See…that’s my negative look at the game. In about two hours I’ll write that we’ll win this game easily. That’s basically where my mind is.
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i know exactly how you feel
i have been going through the same thoughts on this game. I don’t remember the last time I was so excited/nervous for a game. Quick question: I just found out that I have 4 tix for a game that I can’t go to, is it against site rules to post a fanpost to see if anyone is interested in them?
by ZagsFanatic on Nov 17, 2009 11:34 AM PST up reply actions
Not at all.
Just as long as it’s not scalping we are cool with it
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by Zach Bell on Nov 17, 2009 11:52 AM PST via mobile up reply actions
I will
I will take them for free thankyou, actually when is the game because i would love tickets for me and my family.
by DanielwMathews on Nov 17, 2009 1:02 PM PST up reply actions
game is dec. 9th against augustana. Not exactly the greatest game on the schedule but it is always good to be in the kennel. I can’t sell them for the price that season ticket holders pay but I can sell them for the price I paid which is much lower than you will find them anywhere else. Email me at mbmanaus@yahoo.com for details.
Awesome!
Yea, I’ve been checking in as usual pretty much everyday, but I haven’t had much time since I am in school and working full time to join in on the conversations. Haha I made sure today was a “Sick Day” though with all the hoops and the big game tonight. Trying not to hold my expectations too high tonight but deep down inside like every other Zags fan I’m hoping and praying we put it all together for tonight!
by coltinjespersen on Nov 17, 2009 10:46 AM PST reply actions
ZB
Is that you with the one vote for a win?
I voted for a win
but in a tight one. I thought about voting for the comfortable win but just couldn’t do it in the end.
Looks like people think we’re in for a tight game though, which is what I am hoping for. I’d love it to be anyone’s game with five minutes left…but I won’t be offended if Gonzaga is up by a lot too!
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3 quotes from ESPN marathon chat
Andy Katz: The individual stars to keep an eye on tonight remain Rotnei Clarke of Arkansas and Elias Harris of Gonzaga. Those are two players that haven’t been seen much nationally if at all.
Julie Turner: Q: DaneR:
Anyone have thoughts on how the spartans will do without an experienced center against a team with a big tonight? Is there D going to be strong enough to handle their schedule this year?
Steve Lavin: Gonzaga has a slight edge over Michigan State in terms of heighth on the front line, but Michigan State brings some impressive lumber to the table. Michigan State is deservedly favored tonight because of the experience and the “Izzone” factor. Keep an eye on Draymond Green as he has clearly elevated his play on both ends of the court for the Spartans.
franfraschilla: Michigan State should handle Zags tonight but Gonzaga has room for growth. Lots of young talent. @mattbouldin15 will be a great leader!
One more
Julie Turner: Q: sparty:
is gonzaga as strong this year as they have been in the past?
Doris Burke: Oh yeah. I don’t think there’s any question. I find it fascinating that Mark Few, year in, year out is able to find different guys to be successful. There’s always one guy that is capable of offensive outbursts. He gets guys with chips on his shoulders. I loved watched Adam Morrison play, not just for his scoring but his mental toughness. I think the most important thing that he’s instilled in his guys is that he’s a major-major program. I love that guy and love what he’s done.
Wow
that answer means “well, I have no idea who is on their team anymore but they have a damn good coach.”
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at least she knew adam morrison was here...
3 years ago. Seriously though, who is Doris Burke?
if you watched the ucla game last night
she was the analyst.
The Slipper Still Fits - SB Nation's home for the Gonzaga Bulldogs!
ZF
She went to school back east. Providence, I think. Anyway, she’s sharp. Very respected as an hoop analyst. Seems like she’s been around 15 years or so. She could hoop too!
Game Thread!
We want the Game Thread!!!!!! Go Zags!
by coltinjespersen on Nov 17, 2009 4:28 PM PST via mobile reply actions
you are 2-2!
got the poll and now game thread!
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Hahaha
Let’s hope we can keep the streak rolling to tonight!!!
by coltinjespersen on Nov 17, 2009 4:47 PM PST up reply actions
early matchup
even though we have a young team full of players who haven’t played at this level, i think this game gives us exactly what we need to improve. win or lose, this game doesn’t make our post season chances. albeit it could have a huge impact on the overall seed.
im hoping this game tonight shows the young guys exactly what they need to do to play at a nationally elite level. nothing more, nothing less. too much to ask?
by GU.AmericasTeam on Nov 17, 2009 4:31 PM PST reply actions
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