Gonzaga vs. McNeese State in 2024 NCAA Tournament: Nolan Hickman, Ryan Nembhard need to handle Cowboys' pressure

Guard-dominant McNeese State presents a unique challenge for Gonzaga

There's a saying that the NCAA Tournament is a guard's game. Teams that have a solid floor general typically succeed in March. True or not, that notion will be put to the test Thursday when the 5-seed Gonzaga Bulldogs face 12-seed McNeese State in the first round of the 2024 NCAA Tournament.

Contrasting strengths take center stage when Gonzaga (25-7, 14-2 WCC) and its "tall ball" lineup look to fend off a McNeese State (30-3, 17-1 Southland) team chock-full of dynamic guards. Fifth-year guard Shahada Wells was the Southland Conference Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year after putting up 17.8 points, 4.8 assists and 3.0 steals. The TCU transfer spearheads the Cowboys' stingy defense that has a knack for causing turnovers.

Former Gonzaga All-American Dan Dickau and Gonzaga Nation reporter Cole Forsman break down why Ryan Nembhard and Nolan Hickman will be key against the Cowboys' pressuring defense on a new Gonzaga Nation episode.

Produced by Christian Pedersen.

Dan Dickau: Gonzaga must execute 'right off the bat' against McNeese State in 2024 NCAA Tournament