Gonzaga, Kentucky's next big foe, lost to Texas by 19 last night

Gonzaga will also come into Sunday’s big showdown vs. Kentucky with a loss. Last night, the No. 2 Bulldogs got walloped by No. 11 Texas, 93-74, in Austin. The defeat comes on the heels of Gonzaga’s one-point win over Michigan State, who, as you know, beat Kentucky 86-77 in double overtime on Tuesday night. Add in the Bulldogs’ 19-point loss to Tennessee in a preseason scrimmage — the same Tennessee team that lost to unranked Colorado by 12 on Sunday — and maybe they just aren’t that good?

Last night, the Longhorns were led by Tyrese Hunter, who had 26 points, including five threes, three of those coming at the start of the second half to put Texas firmly in control. Chris Beard’s squad was also able to contain Drew Timme. The All-American had 18 points and 9 rebounds, but the Longhorns took him out of the game when it was still close. Two of Timme’s first four shots were airballs. Texas held Gonzaga to just one basket over the final five minutes of the first half.

Turnovers plagued the Bulldogs. After giving the ball away 18 times vs. Michigan State, they turned it over 20 times vs. Texas, which led to 27 points for the Longhorns. Nolan Hickman, the former Kentucky commit who now starts for the Bulldogs at point guard, had four turnovers to two assists.

“Some of it was us, but a lot of it was their pressure,” Gonzaga head coach Mark Few said. “We can’t function if we turn the ball over like that.”

Shooting and strong guard play will be essential for Kentucky Sunday night. Hopefully, the Cats’ backcourt will rise to the occasion in Spokane.