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Gonzaga Basketball

Gonzaga-Washington key matchup: Huskies’ Noah Dickerson provides formidable challenge for Zags’ frontcourt

There are plenty of key matchups to choose from, but the biggest one is between the big guys.

Washington senior Noah Dickerson is a force inside. At 6-foot-8 and 245 pounds, Dickerson does nearly all of his damage in the lane and has made 55 percent of his field-goal attempts the last two-plus seasons.

Dickerson, who averages 17.3 points and 7.4 rebounds, uses his strength and savvy to apply foul pressure and is tied for fifth nationally with his 68 free-throw attempts. Dickerson has double-digit makes and attempts at the stripe in three of UW’s last four games.

Rui Hachimura and Brandon Clarke are defensive options, with Hachimura’s strength probably better suited for Dickerson. The Zags’ depth is limited with injuries to Geno Crandall and Killian Tillie, so the key will be avoiding foul trouble while trying to contain Dickerson. GU freshman Filip Petrusev also could see time on Dickerson in a matchup of former Montverde (Florida) Academy standouts.

Washington’s Noah Dickerson runs into Gonzaga’s Johnathan Williams as Zach Norvell Jr. looks on in last year’s game in Seattle. (Elaine Thompson / Associated Press)
Washington’s Noah Dickerson runs into Gonzaga’s Johnathan Williams as Zach Norvell Jr. looks on in last year’s game in Seattle. (Elaine Thompson / Associated Press)