POSTGAME
Randy Bennett gave us 11 minutes to review perhaps the biggest win in the history of the UCU Pavilion.
HIGHLIGHTS
FINAL STATS
FINAL THOUGHTS
Saint Mary’s came in more than prepared for Gonzaga in a game where 24-year old Point Guard Tommy Kuhse once again provided unflappable leadership. The Gaels’ defense came together in a fashion that few people thought was possible before the game. A real commitment to team defense, unselfish play, and doubling Drew Timme in the post, paid significant dividends for SMC. Kyle Bowen came through with the two big threes late as Coach Bennett touched on above. It was a magical night for the Gaels, who suddenly find themselves in the conversation for a 5-seed and the upside to be a top-four seed with a second win over Gonzaga in the WCC Tournament.
On Gonzaga: Watched the Bulldogs play two vastly different games this week. Against San Francisco, GU was able to get and create a ton of open looks and gain a lead early and run with it. Tonight against Saint Mary’s it was almost a polar opposite result. Gonzaga was taken out of their game - practically from the opening tip onward. Saint Mary’s had the personnel and maturity to race back on defense following a make or a miss. Most teams do not, like 95% of the country does not. Gonzaga will get into the tournament and likely overwhelm their first two opponents. Once they are in the Regional rounds, I am very curious to see who they match up with. Bigger and older teams can potentially give Gonzaga trouble. I believe a team needs both of these characteristics to pull it off. This formula could give a potential upset some legs, however, it still takes a well or perfectly executed game plan to beat the Bulldogs. Otherwise, Gonzaga remains a likely favorite in each game the rest of the season.
It’s a game I won’t soon forget. 2022 has been kind to me. Earlier this year I was in Columbus to see #1 Duke lose at Ohio State. To see the top team get beat twice in the same season takes both luck and fortune. Thank you all for following along. March promises to be special.