Gonzaga vs McNeese is a top tier upset alert! McNeese is a Defensive animal, but Gonzaga can score at any moment. The true unknown variable is which coach has it in them to take this game early and make a difference. The first team to throw a punch...or get out to an early 5+ point lead...will be in the driver's seat as neither team is likely to go on a run with the level of defense we're going to see.
And you can say "McNeese didn't play anyone this season."
Maybe...
McNeese Overview
McNeese State ran through the Southland Conference easily. With a target on their back from the first tip, they only dropped a single game during conference play, by 2 to Southeastern Louisiana University. After a dominating a two-game stretch in the Southland Tournament, in which they won by an average of 17.5 points, confidence has never been higher. Nor has their record at 30-3.
Defense is the way McNeese will break Gonzaga down. Even if perimeter shooting isn't working, which it usually is thanks to DJ Richards Jr., Javohn Garcia, and Shahada Wells. McNeese can stop any team in front of them at all three levels of the court, playing a mean full court press after makes.
While McNeese is either sending Christian Shumate up for a SHU-NAMI or shooting lights out, their rebounding should afford them a number of 2nd chances. Shumate, Antavion Collum, and Shahada Wells average together 18.6 rebounds per game .
Gonzaga Overview
Gonzaga is a scoring machine, and they haven't lost an opening round game in 14 years, which is a stat that puts even the biggest Cowboy fan on edge. Led by Graham Ike, who averages almost 17 points per game, the Bulldogs' offense could put McNeese in a familiar, early hole. With notable wins against Kentucky, USC, UCLA, and Saint Mary's, the biggest thing for the Zags is not overlooking these Bayou Bandits.
Anton Watson, a Spokane native, averages 14 points and is 42% behind the arc, with almost 2 steals per game. The Zags guards will be a lot for McNeese to handle for 40 minutes. And even though they lost the WCC final to Drake, the Zags are not to be underestimated and can win at anytime, and with 8 straight trips to the Sweet 16, it'll take everything McNeese has got to keep them from advancing out of the first round.
Final Remarks
The biggest concern for McNeese is keeping their head and not letting the moment be too big. Underestimating your opponent when it comes to March Madness never ends well. If Gonzaga thinks this is a easy win, they will be mistaken.
McNeese 88 - 86.
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