Washington State Vs. Gonzaga 12-8-10

I figured that since I went to Wazzu and I have been rooting for Gonzaga since Bakari Henrix and Dan Fitzgerald were there, that my first college basketball blog should be about these two Eastern Washington programs.

I am going to put an extensive recap of what I say for both teams, but here is a quick preview.

Here are five keys to this game:

1. Rebounding
Both of these teams struggle to rebound.  A collegue of mine has told me that Rebounding isnt as much about athleticism as it is about heart.  So far WSU has shown more heart than Gonzaga.  While Gonzaga has a distinct height advantage, they don't always use it.  I think that whoever wins the rebounding battle will win this game. 

2. Free Throws
Another thing that both teams struggle with.  I think that both of the percentages will be in the 60's.  Gonzaga gets to the line more than WSU tonight because of the height advantage stated above.  If either team can be in the 70's or (gasp!) 80's for free throw percentage will win this game because both of these teams LOVE  to leave free points on the table.

3.  Who is going to be #2 scorer for Gonzaga?
We all know that Steven Gray will get ahis 20 points. But who is going to step up and be the #2 option for the Zags.  Elias Harris is still battling an achilles injury, and don't underestimate this injury because he get's his points by jumping, and a jumper with an injured achilles does not have the same burst.  Robert Sacre should be the #2 because he will have a good three inches on Casto, but I don't trust his offensive game after watching his baby hook over his right shoulder for the past four years.  Demitri Goodsen is going to get open look after open look, but he should not take these as he shoots 3-pointers about as well as Adam Morrison grows a mustache.  I don't know who will step up, but they need someone else to drop at least 15 points or the Cougs win.

4.  How will Reggie Moore play in his first start of the season?
With all due respect to Klay Thompson, anyone who watched Reggie play against Kansas St. last Friday knows that with his playmaking skills in getting to the rim, he was the best player when he was on the floor for the Cougs.  Now that he will be in the floor for 26-32 minutes will he still have the same adrenaline pumping as he did in his first minutes of the season.  Reggie Moore needs to play under control, as he can get to the rim whenever he wants.  He can not settle for jump shots, get to the hoop, get fouled, or drive and kick to Klay or Faisal on the wings.

5.  How will Klay Thompson respond?
Klay struggled against Kansas St. Yet another prime-time game where he couldn't hit open shots and he had unforced turnovers.  Last year once he had this first type of game he was not the same player for the rest of the season.  It will be very interesting to see how Klay responds.  He says he has matured as a basketball player and if that is true he will have a bounce back game today.  If his shoulders are slumping early than it could get ugly.

X-factors: Reggie Moore and Kelly Olynik

Score Prediction: Gonzaga 74  Washington St. 79

Drink of choice during game time:  Papst Blue Ribbon!!

Enjoy the game Ladies and Gentlemen I will be back after the game to see how much I really know about basketball.