LAHAINA, Hawaii -- Here are my thoughts on the early action at the Maui Invitational:
• Gonzaga had problems guarding Colorado's Princeton offense and went to a matchup zone that was just recently put in. The defensive change wound up winning the game as the Zags survived 76-72. Instead of having a young team chase cutters and recover to shooters, Gonzaga really limited the Buffaloes' offensive effectiveness.
Matt Bouldin was clutch with his strength and ability to move without the ball, and the Zags spread the floor and put Colorado in a position to foul. Gonzaga won the game because of three areas: converting off turnovers, the offensive glass and the free throw line. Gonzaga shot 37 free throws to Colorado's 18, and that was a major factor. For a young team that lacks an experienced and battle-tested bench, zone may be necessary over three games in three days.
To me, the biggest play of the game was
Elias Harris pursuing the ball off the glass with just under two minutes to go and saving it to a teammate, which led to a pair of Gonzaga free throws. Harris brings great athleticism and energy and his big play will not show up in the box score. But Gonzaga does not win without it.
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Jay Bilas
