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BASKETBALL

Gonzaga, South Carolina Set For Inaugural Final Four

Gonzaga and South Carolina will both play in their first final four Saturday. 

Gonzaga has a record of 36-1 this year playing in the West Coast Conference that isn't a very tough league while South Carolina comes out of the  Southeastern Conference and has a record of 26-10.

Gonzaga got to the final four by beating Xavier 83-59 in the West Regional last Saturday with offensive efficiency and their stellar  defense. "according to  http://www.gozags.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/032517aaa.html

Gonzaga made 12 of 24 shots from 3-point range after struggling the first three NCAA Tournament games. The Zags were No. 1 in defensive efficiency during the regular season and shut down the underdog and 11th-seeded Musketeers (24-14) to become the first WCC team to reach the Final Four in 60 years. "according to http://www.gozags.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/032517aaa.html

Nigel Williams-Goss scored 23 points while orchestrating Gonzaga's efficient offense after struggling against West Virginia. Johnathan Williams added 19 points and centerPrzemek Karnowski, who was still recovering from back surgery a year ago, created open perimeter looks with his deft passing out of the post. "according to http://www.gozags.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/032517aaa.html

South Carolina meanwhile has a record of 26-10 and is coming off a 77-70 win over Florida where Sindarius Thornwell led the way with 26 points, seven steals to go along with seven rebounds. "according to http://www.gamecocksonline.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/032617aab.html

Will Gonzaga be able to survive the stifling defense of South Carolina who likes to take their opponent out of their rhythm?

Which team will execute their game plan and advance to the championship game?

Tip-off is set for 6:09 pm from the University of Phoenix Stadium home of the NFL's Arizona Cardinals.  The game will be televised on CBS. "according to http://www.gamecocksonline.com/sports/m-baskbl/sched/scar-m-baskbl-sched.html