Davidson-Gonzaga: The big difference

The comparisons between Davidson and Gonzaga are appropriate in a lot of ways.

Davidson is making its third NCAA tournament appearance in a row and is gaining respect as one of the nation’s most formidable mid-major teams. The Wildcats are close to achieving the status that Gonzaga has with its 10 NCAA tournament appearances.

But the difference between the teams is obvious when you see their players on the court next to one another. Gonzaga is bigger and stronger, with athletes every bit as impressive as those N.C. State puts on the floor at the RBC Center.

They look like they devoured all the choice morsels at the buffet. Davidson’s guys look like they ate the leftovers.

That doesn’t mean Davidson can’t win. Good coaching, a supportive crowd excellent 3-point shooting and general scrappiness could carry the day for the Wildcats.

Gonzaga led 41-36 at halftime thanks to a 19-11 rebounding advantage, but committed 12 first-half turnovers. But having excellent athletes helped Gonzaga win first-round games in seven of the last 10 years.

Davidson has some work to do in the second half to avoid an 0-3 first-round record over the last three years.

– Ken Tysiac