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Some keys for the WCC opener

Posted by Vince

Jan. 6, 2007 12:35 p.m. • 0 comments

ZAGS

As Gonzaga prepares to open West Coast Conference play today, and you prepare to watch on TV, here’s a couple of key elements to keep track of.

- How does Matthew Knight look? The 6-foot-8 senior center has missed the last couple games with a knee injury. He is supposed to play today, but if he’s not at 100 percent, the Lions are in trouble.

Knight has led them in scoring six times, and that included games when Brandon Worthy was healthy (out for the season now with a knee injury as well). By the way, with Knight and Worthy both out, LMU went 0-2 with both blowout losses.

- Is Josh Heytvelt playing with energy? It’s sometimes hard for Zag fans to remember Heytvelt is a sophomore, and a sophomore who is playing basically his first season. He has so much talent, you expect him to dominate ever night. But, like all inexperienced players, he will be up-and-down, with a greater chance of him doing well at home – like today.

- Who is winning the battle of the boards? The Lions have been outrebounded this season, so GU needs to attack the glass. Are they?

That’s it. We’re headed off to GU. We’ll be back at the end of the game with a link to the game story and later with analysis.