Gonzaga’s Josh Perkins nearing defensive milestone ahead of IUPUI game

After collecting five steals against North Dakota on Saturday, Gonzaga guard Josh Perkins is one steal away from hitting the century mark in his career.

The junior from Park Hill, Colorado, ranks third in the West Coast Conference in steals, with 19 this season.

Perkins is also standing out on the opposite end of the court, particularly from distance. He is currently 21st in the NCAA with 36 makes from 3-point range and 29th in 3-pointers per game (3.27). He’s also ranked 16th in the country in 3-point percentage, shooting 50 percent in 11 games.

All three numbers currently top the conference as well.

The Zags have been known to be fairly consistent from deep. They have recorded a 3-pointer in 824 consecutive games, which is the 14th best streak in the nation.

Last season, the Zags hit at least 10 3-pointers in nine games. The Bulldogs also shot 38.2 percent from distance.

This year, Gonzaga is on track to exceed those numbers, already hitting the double-digit mark in 3-point makes eight times.