Gonzaga-Baylor: What Made The Bulldogs' Upset So Impressive

Had someone told me before Gonzaga's 68-64 upset of #9 Baylor that they would figure out a way to finish the game without the help of Steven Gray or Elias Harris, I would never have believed it.

And that they pulled out the win under those circumstances plus a less than efficient ball handling performance from starting point guard Demetri Goodson is what makes their upset so impressive, as described by Zach Bell of The Slipper Still Fits.

POSTGAME VICTORY THREAD: Zags upset #9 Baylor - The Slipper Still Fits
Let's take a quick look at some of the things that went against Gonzaga today:

Steven Gray leaves the game before halftime with back spasms

Elias Harris fouls out with six minutes left in the game

Demetri Goodson turns the ball over 8 times...some forced, most not.

Awful Refereeing....don't get me started.

How the Zags won? How about the defense. Unofficially, Gonzaga forced 17 turnovers and Baylor only had six assists for the game. Demetri Goodson, my goodness. His offensive was downright putrid but he keyed the Zags on defense.

Something also has to be said for Gonzaga's spacing on the offensive end as well, which was far superior to past games and gave them the type of passing lanes that allowed center Robert Sacre to go to work in the post and ultimately carry the team with the team's star scorers out.

Most of all, it was obvious before this game that Gonzaga absolutely needed a win - for confidence if nothing else - and they finally managed to pull out a tough one. That alone means something.

Gonzaga Finally Overcomes A Ranked Opponent With 68-64 Upset Against #9 Baylor

This was not pretty.

But saying “a win is a win” doesn’t quite apply – getting a 68-64 win against #9 Baylor is a huge boost for a team that has struggled thus far this season heading into conference play.

There was consistent energy and strong execution. Most importantly, even with Steven Gray (injury) and Elias Harris (fouled out) out of the game the entire team stepped up to pull out a somewhat sloppy affair that was almost marred by refs.

Robert Sacre stepped up the most, looking far more decisive than he’s been all season (or ever?) than he’s been all season. With Gray and Harris out, Sacre stood out, calling for the ball and establishing position in the post as well as he ever has. He finished with 17 points and 6 rebounds.

While starting point guard Demetri Goodson struggled with eight turnovers, Marquise Carter was huge down the stretch, going 7-for-8 from the free throw line and hitting two 3-pointers and finished with 13 points.

The win not only represents a quality victory for Gonzaga’s tournament chances in March, but a sign of effort and mental toughness that should instill a confidence in the team and who they are that was noticeably lacking prior to this afternoon.

Gonzaga-Baylor Halftime Report: Turnovers A Wash, Gonzaga Established 29-27 Lead With Boardwork

So as expected, both teams had plenty of turnovers in the first half, but ultimately offensive rebounding made the difference in the first half.

Gonzaga beat Baylor 7 to 3 on the offensive boards and took a 29-27 halftime lead.

Center Robert Sacre played a prominent role as a scorer and passer in the first half with 11 points and two assists, both nice interior passes.

Gonzaga has looked as crisp in their execution as they have all season, turnovers notwithstanding, while also holding Baylor to 28 percent shooting.

Gonzaga Bulldogs at Baylor Bears: Turnovers Could Play A Role

The game is starting a bit later than expected, but when it does begin, Zach Bell of the Slipper Still Fits expects turnovers to play a role if Gonzaga wants to win.

Gonzaga heads to Dallas to take on Baylor...LaceDarius Dunn licks his chops - The Slipper Still Fits
There's only one way I can see Gonzaga winning this game and that is if they increase their pressure on defense. While I sure do love a reactive defense that is predicated on which type of defense, man or zone, sucks less, I think it is time for Mark Few to at least attempt to have his team set a tone on the road. Even if it is simply Demetri Goodson guarding A.J. Walton full-court by himself, you have to pressure an inexperienced point guard. He can amass turnovers in a hurry and Meech plays fantastic on-ball defense. It is a match made in heaven. Better yet, 3/4 court pressure utilizing Steven Gray and Manny Arop along with Meech would be ideal, but, we sure wouldn't want to apply too much pressure.

However while both teams suffer high turnover rates, Gonzaga also turns the ball over more often than opponents whereas Baylor forces more turnovers on their opponents.

Ultimately, the difference in this game might be simply a matter of how much energy Gonzaga brings with them to Waco today.