Much at stake here as the winner gets a bye all of the way to the semifinals of the upcoming WCC Tourney. The Zags hit the Hilltop in high gear after roaring from behind to take out Santa Clara 95-76 at midweek; Graham Ike was almost unstoppable in the paint as he scored 24, part of Gonzaga's blistering 58% FG shooting. Transfer G Khalif Battle, recently out of favor, scored 21 for the nation's second-highest scoring offense (87.4 ppg). The Dons will try to chase this game as they did in Spokane (February 13) in an 88-77 Zags win. Malik Thomas's 25 points helped a game that looked identical to the previous meeting in last March's WCC semis, won by Gonzaga 89-77. Play Gonzaga-USF Over

Their first meeting closed at 153.5 and went over by 11.5. This despite the Zags - now hotter from 3 - making just 4 behind the arc vs. the WCC best 3-point D. Gonzaga had over 50 points in the paint, however, and they can't shoot worse from range in this one. Zags average 87 ppg on road in conference and SF averaging 78 at home. Zags need to win for invite to big dance. Will push pace big-time (WCC leaders in shots/g) and force SF to follow. Desperate times for Zags.