Three things to remember from Gonzaga’s victory over Georgia in the first round of the NCAA Tournament

The NCAA Tournament is often defined by unexpected moments, clutch performances, and high-stakes drama. In the first round of the 2024 tournament, one of the more unforgettable matchups came when the #2-seeded Gonzaga Bulldogs faced off against the #15-seeded Georgia Bulldogs. While Gonzaga was the heavy favorite going into the game, the result was far from a foregone conclusion, and both teams gave it their all in a hard-fought battle. In the end, Gonzaga came out on top, but there were several key takeaways from the game that will define the contest in the minds of fans, analysts, and coaches alike.

Here are three things to remember from Gonzaga’s victory over Georgia in the first round of the NCAA Tournament:

1. The Emergence of Drew Timme as the Tournament’s Offensive Leader

One of the most dominant performances of the entire first round came from Gonzaga’s star senior, Drew Timme. Timme, who has been a cornerstone of the Gonzaga program for years, showed exactly why he is considered one of the best big men in college basketball with a performance that showcased his offensive versatility, leadership, and poise under pressure.

In a game where every possession mattered, Timme was able to take over offensively. He finished with a game-high 30 points on 12-of-18 shooting, showcasing his incredible ability to score both inside and out. Whether it was hitting mid-range jumpers, finishing strong at the rim, or drawing fouls and hitting free throws, Timme was a constant threat. His impact wasn’t just limited to his scoring, though—his leadership on the court and calm demeanor helped stabilize Gonzaga’s offense, especially when Georgia made a push in the second half.

Timme’s performance was particularly impressive considering the heightened intensity of the tournament setting. Known for his ability to operate in the post and his exceptional footwork, Timme used his basketball IQ to exploit Georgia’s defense, especially in the paint. What stood out most was his adaptability. In a game where Georgia threw different defensive looks at Gonzaga, including double-teaming Timme in the low post, he found ways to either finish or create opportunities for his teammates. His passing ability was also on display as he tallied four assists, showcasing the completeness of his game.

The 30-point performance further cemented Timme’s legacy as one of the most accomplished players in Gonzaga history. After the game, head coach Mark Few praised Timme for his “poise under pressure,” noting that his ability to rise to the occasion was a key factor in the team’s victory. With his leadership, Gonzaga advanced to the second round, but his performance was the defining storyline of the game.

From a tournament perspective, Timme’s outing served as a statement to the rest of the field: Gonzaga’s offense runs through Timme, and if he continues to play at this level, the Bulldogs are a legitimate contender for the national title. His success in this game was also a reminder of how vital senior leadership can be in the pressure cooker of March Madness.

2. Georgia’s Resilience and the Rise of Terry Roberts as a Star

Although Georgia was on the losing end of the game, they did not go down without a fight. The Bulldogs from Athens came into the game as a #15 seed, which meant they were largely seen as an underdog with little chance to upset the powerhouse Gonzaga squad. However, Georgia played with a level of resilience and grit that was impressive, especially as they mounted a comeback in the second half.

Down by as many as 18 points in the first half, Georgia refused to quit. Instead of letting the game slip away early, they fought back with an aggressive defense and some timely shooting. The catalyst for their run was senior guard Terry Roberts, who stepped up to make the game competitive. Roberts finished with 24 points, five assists, and four rebounds, providing Georgia with much-needed leadership on both ends of the floor. His performance highlighted not only his scoring ability but also his resilience. After Gonzaga pulled away early, Roberts took control, driving to the basket, hitting timely three-pointers, and making key plays in transition.

Roberts’ ability to lead his team in a high-pressure environment was especially important for Georgia’s comeback. He displayed a level of maturity and court awareness that helped keep his team within striking distance as the game wore on. In the second half, Roberts scored 16 points, including a critical three-pointer that trimmed Gonzaga’s lead to just six points with a few minutes left. His determination was evident as he continued to attack the basket and draw fouls, keeping the pressure on Gonzaga’s defense.

Unfortunately, while Roberts gave Georgia a fighting chance, they couldn’t quite close the gap completely. However, his performance throughout the game, especially his leadership and poise under fire, earned him recognition as one of the tournament’s breakout players. The result was a bittersweet one for Georgia, but Roberts’ standout performance proved that they could compete with the best when playing with confidence.

For Georgia head coach Mike White, the game was a mixed bag of emotions. On one hand, he was disappointed by the loss, but on the other, he couldn’t help but be proud of his team’s resiliency. In the postgame interview, White noted that “Terry Roberts was the engine that kept us in this game. His leadership and fight were incredible, and I think we showed the world that we belong here.”

The performance of Roberts was a bright spot in what could have otherwise been a forgettable game for Georgia. It also provided hope for the future of Georgia basketball, with Roberts leading the charge and showing that the team has the potential to compete at a higher level.

3. Gonzaga’s Defensive Adjustments: Overcoming Georgia’s Momentum

While the game was largely about offensive firepower, one of the key factors in Gonzaga’s victory was their ability to adjust defensively as Georgia made their second-half run. Early on, Gonzaga’s defense was a bit lackluster, allowing Georgia to shoot efficiently and make a comeback in the second half. At one point, Georgia was threatening to tie the game, and it seemed like Gonzaga was in danger of losing control.

However, the Bulldogs from Spokane, led by head coach Mark Few, made the necessary defensive adjustments to stymie Georgia’s offensive flow. Gonzaga’s defense, which had been criticized for lapses throughout the season, was much more engaged in the second half. The key to their success was their ability to lock down on Georgia’s shooters, especially Terry Roberts, while simultaneously limiting easy baskets in transition.

A pivotal moment came when Gonzaga switched to a more aggressive 2-3 zone defense, which effectively shut down the driving lanes and forced Georgia to settle for contested jump shots. Timme, along with fellow big men Anton Watson and Ben Gregg, played a crucial role in protecting the rim and altering shots. This defensive presence allowed Gonzaga to slow the game down and limit Georgia’s scoring opportunities in the paint, a crucial aspect considering how much the Bulldogs from Athens relied on attacking the basket.

Additionally, Gonzaga’s ability to secure defensive rebounds and limit Georgia’s second-chance points proved vital. Despite Georgia’s late surge, Gonzaga made critical stops when it mattered, preventing any further momentum shifts. While Timme was the focal point of Gonzaga’s offense, it was the team’s defense in the closing moments that allowed them to weather Georgia’s comeback attempt and seal the victory.

Gonzaga’s defense has often been overlooked in favor of its high-powered offense, but in this game, it was clear that the defensive adjustments were just as crucial to their success. The ability to adapt on the fly and stifle Georgia’s attack was an important takeaway for Gonzaga, especially as they advanced to face tougher competition in the subsequent rounds of the tournament.

Gonzaga’s Resilience and Georgia’s Bright Future

Gonzaga’s victory over Georgia in the first round of the 2024 NCAA Tournament was a game filled with highs and lows, moments of brilliance, and periods of struggle. Drew Timme’s dominant offensive performance, Terry Roberts’ valiant efforts to lead Georgia’s comeback, and Gonzaga’s defensive adjustments all played significant roles in shaping the outcome of the game.

For Gonzaga, this victory reaffirmed their status as a national contender, especially with Timme playing at a high level. However, their performance also demonstrated that they need to improve defensively if they want to continue making deep runs in the tournament.

For Georgia, despite the loss, the game served as a moment of growth. Terry Roberts showed that he could be a star in high-pressure situations, and the team’s resilience gave fans hope for the future. Coach Mike White will likely take away valuable lessons from this game, particularly in how his team handled adversity and never gave up.

Ultimately, this matchup was a microcosm of what makes the NCAA Tournament so thrilling: unexpected performances, big plays under pressure, and moments that will be remembered long after the final buzzer sounds. Whether it was Timme’s offensive dominance or Roberts’ determined leadership, the game provided lasting memories that will define both programs’ journeys in the tournament.