We now know Gonzaga will play Western Kentucky Saturday for the right to advance to the sweet 16.  Now Gonzaga fans are scrambling to answer two major questions…how does Gonzaga match-up with the Hilltoppers….and what the heck is this?

I can’t answer the last question…maybe if I have time I’ll look into it a little bit later today.

 As far as the first thing…I think the match-up is a tough one.  I do think that Western Kentucky will run with Gonzaga which is what the Bulldogs want.  I just don’t know if they will run past Gonzaga.  These two teams met up last season in Alaska and the Zags won that game 74-71.  I expect another close game on Saturday.  Some things jump out at me when I look at the box score from last years game.  Western Kentucky was led by Lee who had 21 points in that game…he’s not here anymore.  The biggest thing that jumps out at me is that the Zags won that game without Josh Heytvelt.  Robert Sacre had 8 points in 16 minutes, and David Pendergraft had 8 points and 8 rebounds in 26 minutes.  Sounds like it sets up for a big game for Josh, who is playing really well right now.

Western Kentucky is a lot like Gonzaga in that they have a very balanced scoring offense.  They have 4 players who average double figures and a fifth who averages 9….sound familiar? 

ONE BRIGHT SPOT TO KEEP AN EYE ON:  last night you saw an example of what Western Kentucky has done all year.  The Hilltopers led Illinois by double digits late in the game.  They allowed Illinois to make a run and almost take them down.  Dennis and I talked to a TV guy who covers Western Kentucky last night, and he said that was typical.  Apparently according to the media guy, this team has a real hard time putting teams away.  The good news about that is, Gonzaga even if trailing big, should be able to climb back into the game.

It will be interesting to hear from the players today to see what they think about this match-up.  One more win, and the Zags are headed to Memphis.

back with more later.

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