Gonzaga vs. Montana Prediction, Game Preview
Gonzaga vs. Montana prediction and game preview for when the Bulldogs go up against the Grizzlies in the McCarthey Athletic Center.
The Gonzaga Bulldogs will be back home in Spokane, Wash. to host the Montana Grizzlies in the McCarthey Athletic Center. Below is the Gonzaga vs. Montana prediction and game preview.
Gonzaga vs. Montana Game Preview
Game Broadcast
Date: Tuesday, Dec. 8
Game Time: 9 p.m. ET
Venue: McCarthey Athletic Center, Spokane, Wash.
Network: ESPN3
Why You Need To Care
The Wildcats overcame a 10-point deficit at halftime to beat the Bulldogs on their home floor, and that’s definitely not a good sign early in the season. Gonzaga’s turnover rate in that loss was twice Arizona’s. Regardless of who you are, you can’t lose the turnover battle 15-8 and expect to win.
The Bulldogs will need to use this matchup against Montana as a buffer and get their minds right.
The Grizzlies are in a completely different situation. At 3-3, they’re looking for a big road win to set the tone of their season.
Montana is coming off an 82-50 win against San Francisco on Friday. Taking this one in Spokane wouldn’t only give the Grizzlies some momentum, but it could be a game Gonzaga looks back on and kicks itself for if it gives it away.
Why Gonzaga Will Win
Watch for Kyle Wiltjer. He absolutely shredded Arizona for 33 points on 51.9 percent shooting from the field. He finished one rebound shy of a double-double, too. You can place your bets on Wiltjer wanting to will his team to a win in this one. Gonzaga is going to do everything in its power to make this a statement game. The Bulldogs have committed 20 more turnovers than their opponents have, so expect head coach Mark Few to emphasize ball control and tempo. Just keep the Grizzlies off the foul line. Giving up free points is never in the game plan.
Why Montana Will Win
The Grizzlies are not a good three-point-shooting team. It’s just a fact. They shoot 25 percent from behind the arc, so they’ll have to find a way to get to the basket. And that falls squarely on Martin Breunig, who’s leading the team with 20.8 points per game. Breunig will have to attack the rim and try and get Domantas Sabonis in foul trouble. Penetrate and draw fouls. That’s the mindset Montana needs to have offensively. Defensively, just put a hand in Wiltjer’s face and hope he clanks it.
What’s Going To Happen?
Wiltjer will get his. He may take a step back from scoring in this one and take more of a playmaking role, but he’ll still walk the 20-point line. Sabonis will control the paint, grabbing boards and dominating offensively. Montana doesn’t have the size or interior defense to handle him down low. Gonzaga will space the floor and win the boards to help seal the win.
Gonzaga vs. Montana Prediction
Robert Judin: Gonzaga 82, Montana 68
Jordan Cornette: Gonzaga 86, Montana 78
Line: Gonzaga -18, o/u: 134.5
