Post Play of Graham Ike Key for Zags vs. Longhorns
By Nick Bartlett, SuperWest Sports
The Zags are still looking for their first National Championship, and to get it, they have to go through Texas.
The formula the Longhorns used to beat BYU proved highly successful, and they’ll likely try to replicate that game plan against the Bulldogs.
UT forced AJ Dybantsa to shoot 1 for 7 from three, which doesn’t feel like a lot, but he could easily have shot 10-18 from the field, rather than 11-25.
The Horns will probably attempt to employ this strategy against Graham Ike, also.
If Ike falls into the trap, the Zags are in trouble.
Without Braden Huff, GU doesn’t have a second elite scoring option. They have a lot of great scorers, but in March, the superstars usually win.
And that’s why Ike needs to stay in the post.
He’ll be able to control the tempo of the game, draw fouls, and open up shots for other guys. This will also limit Texas’ chance at long runout rebounds.
This is the Longhorns third game in five days and they don’t want a physical matchup.
Jalen Warley and Tyon Grant-Foster are already going to swarm on defense. If Ike plays like a bully in the post, they’re probably going to wear out.
Gonzaga ranks 17th nationally in points allowed per game.
Also, if Ike can get some easy buckets early, it will take pressure off of Davis Fogle and Mario Saint-Supery.
Fogle can go off, but he’s only averaging 8.7 points per contest, so he lacks consistency. The same thing can be said about Saint-Supery.
Grant-Foster is the Bulldogs’ second-leading scorer, averaging 11.2 points per game.
Dailyn Swain has been UT’s leading scorer all year, but Tramon Mark has arguably proven to be their best player in the tournament.
Mark is averaging 18 points, 4.5 rebounds, three blocks, and two steals during their opening two games. Matas Vokietaitis also had a standout performance against BYU, tallying 23 points and 16 rebounds.
Texas might be the better team, but they won’t have the legs to beat Gonzaga. The Bulldogs also aren’t likely to lose in the round of 32 two years in a row.
UT shows some fight early, but GU ultimately wins comfortably.
Hooptown USA moves on.
Writes about football and basketball as a Senior Writer and hosts “The Nick Bartlett Show” for SuperWest Sports.