Thursday Night Hoops Preview: No. 23 Gonzaga Bulldogs @ San Francisco Dons

Tonight in the West Coast Conference will be a grudge match between two NCAA Tournament and Conference champion hopefuls. The freshly ranked Gonzaga Bulldogs (22-6, 13-2) led by Mark Few, will look to add to their tournament resume as they start a tough week on the road in the WCC. The second-place Bulldogs will head to third-place San Francisco (22-7, 11-3) later tonight to seek a Quad 1 opportunity. For bracketologists, if Gonzaga wins this game it will catapult them into the field, while a loss will be detrimental to the program. A lot on the line tonight in the Chase Center, where a potential upset may be looming. 

While both have somewhat identical records, the play style from both sides will complement each other’s tactics. Two of the more fast-paced teams in the conference may lead to a shootout score tonight, rather than a defensive battle. Guard Ryan Nembhard and forward Graham Ike for Gonzaga will look to lead the charge as a hostile environment awaits them on the road. With having multiple WCC 1st team players, Mark Few will travel into this one having the better roster on paper. While the Bulldogs are riding high on a six-game win streak and winners of nine out of ten, losing stride here can cause them to derail as the St. Mary Gaels await this weekend. 

For the third-seeded Dons, Chris Gerlufsen has done a tremendous job with this program for the past couple of years as the man in charge. In being one of the better free throw shooting teams in the country, the Dons are always in close battles down the stretch. Jonathan Mogbo, who averaged 15 points and ten rebounds will look to help the Dons frontcourt. On the other hand, Guard Marcus Williams averaging 14 points, three rebounds, and four assists will continually do damage in the backcourt game. 

During the first meeting of the two, Gonzaga was at home and took the energy to explode in the second half, outlasting the Dons 77-72. Tonight, the same game plan will be recreated for both coaches. San Francisco will like to keep its home charge going, while currently standing at 14-1 on their home floor. Gonzaga rolls into this one 6-2 away from home and can possibly secure an at-large bid with a road victory today.