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Gonzaga is in the Sweet 16 for the third consecutive season, and they’ll take on West Virginia on Thursday in Buffalo. That last part is strangely important: the last time the Mountaineers played tournament action in Buffalo, they made it all they way to the Final Four.
West Virginia forces more turnovers than any team in the nation, but if Gonzaga can move the ball effectively they’ll have a big advantage inside.
Here’s everything you need to know to watch the Sweet 16 matchup:
Gonzaga vs. West Virginia Viewing Info
Date: Thursday, March 23, 2017
Start Time: 7:39 p.m. ET
TV Channel: TBS
Live Stream: March Madness Live or CBS All Access
Spread: Gonzaga (-3), per OddsShark.com
Moneyline: Gonzaga (-160); West Virginia (+140)
Over/Under: 148
Head-to-Head History: Three total meetings. Gonzaga is 3-0 all-time against West Virginia, most recently winning in Morgantown in December 2013.
Players to Watch
Because of West Virginia’s aggressive press defense, Bob Huggins goes to his bench early and often. Ten players on the roster average at least 11 minutes per game, and only leading scorer Jevon Carter averages more than 30 minutes per game.
If the Bulldogs can overcome the press, they could have success working the ball inside. Przemek Karnowski anchors Gonzaga at seven-foot-one, and has at least three inches over every player on the West Virginia frontcourt.
For Gonzaga to keep the turnovers down, they’ll need consistent and smart play from their backcourt. Nigel Williams-Goss will run the point, and the Washington transfer will be in charge of navigating West Virginia’s press. It’ll be him and Josh Perkins working to break the press, but Williams-Goss has the better assist-to-turnover ratio of the two.