Final Four 2017: 5 bold predictions

Mar 24, 2017; Glendale, AZ, USA; The basketball court for the NCAA Men’s Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. The court is made from 397 4’ x 7’ panels of Northern Hard Maple, weighing approximately 188 pounds each. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher/The Arizona Republic via USA TODAY NETWORK /

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Mar 25, 2017; San Jose, CA, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Nigel Williams-Goss (5) plays against the Xavier Musketeers during the first period in the finals of the West Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. The Gonzaga Bulldogs defeated the Xavier Musketeers 83-59. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Nigel Williams-Goss Scores 10 Points or Fewer

There’s no doubt about the fact that this is the best team that Gonzaga has ever fielded. And chief among their roster is their star guard, Nigel Williams-Goss. Throughout the year, he’s averaged north of 16 points per game and has been their most consistent offensive force from their opener all the way to this Final Four matchup. Unfortunately for him, this matchup against South Carolina looks like it spells bad news for him.

South Carolina’s defense has been absolutely stifling during the tournament and, in addition to the heroics of Sindarius Thornwell, is the primary reason why they’ve been able to make this cinderella run to Phoenix. That obviously potentially limits the effectiveness of the Zags’ offense by nature. However, Williams-Goss will be even further limited because of his matchup with the aforementioned Thornwell.

Not only is Thornwell bigger and longer than Williams-Goss, but he simply plays a suffocating style of defense. That doesn’t mean that the Gonzaga star won’t be able to affect the game in other ways or even make plays, but I think it does limit his scoring.

Though the press defense of West Virginia is a different style than what South Carolina thrives on defensively, it’s telling that Williams-Goss had arguably hi worst game of the tournament in that close matchup. He finished with just 10 points on 2-of-10 shooting while turning the ball over five times. Though the turnovers might not be as high, I think he experiences similar offensive woes.

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