Gonzaga Bulldogs: Zags 360 – The Bulldogs end the year back at No. 10
The Gonzaga Bulldogs have won their last seven games and are back to No. 10 in the AP Poll. They have also returned to their historical gameplay.
Happy New Year, ZagsNation! The Gonzaga Bulldogs have won their last seven games and are back to No. 10 in the poll. They defeated the Eastern Oregon Mountaineers by 78 points in a 120-42 win that saw the Bulldogs’ bench get some good minutes. And to open the WCC season, Gonzaga defeated the Pepperdine Waves 111-88.
Gonzaga Bulldogs (120) vs. Eastern Oregon Mountaineers (42)
This game saw the Gonzaga Bulldog starters all play 20 minutes or less. That could be hard to believe when looking at the final score. Gonzaga scored 58 points in the first half to the Mountaineers’ 28.
The best part of this game is not the outstanding play of the starters. We see that in almost every game. Tonight it was the play of the bench. Of Malachi Smith, Efton Reid III , Ben Gregg, Hunter Sallis, and hold on, Dominick Harris.
Each of these players played a significant part in this sensational game, and their coach got a good look at each player’s potential. Smith scored ten points and had ten rebounds. Sallis showed off even more of his athleticism with a throwdown and a defense you can see he is now quite comfortable with.
You can see how both Smith and Sallis know and have grown into their parts on this roster. Reid had 16 points on eight of eight shooting which was more dunks and a nice hook shot. Gregg was great on the offensive boards with five points and six rebounds, three of which were offensive.
Getting to see Dominick Harris in action again was indeed a holiday gift. Harris’ no-look, over-his-head passes were terrific! He contributed five points, which included a long one from beyond the arc, five assists, one steal, and one block.
Unfortunately, the Mountaineers were never in this game. The Gonzaga starters put the game away in the middle of the first half. Each one in double figures.
Drew Timme led the way with 18 points, seven rebounds, and four offensive bounds. Anton Watson added 13 points and six rebounds; Julian Strawther contributed 10 points and five rebounds; Rasir Bolton added 14 points, and Nolan Hickman had 13 points and three steals.
As much as I wish I could go on about this game, we must go over the last game of 2022.
Gonzaga Bulldogs (111) vs. Pepperdine Waves (88)
The Gonzaga Bulldogs opened WCC play at the Kennel on the last day of 2022. This win marks the Bulldogs’ 27th straight WCC opener win, the Kennel’s 74 straight home win, and Gonzaga’s 44th straight win over Pepperdine. So much to celebrate this New Year! Here is what Coach Few had to say:
“We were really, really good on offense. Not so good on defense. But a lot of that has to do, as I said going into this game, Pepperdine has got some really talented guys. And not only are they talented, but they can really shoot.”
As always, the “Stache” performed worthy of a WCC Player of the Year. Timme had 35 points in this outing, with ten rebounds and five assists. What a way to start conference play.
The Gonzaga Bulldogs shot 62.5% from the field at the end of the first half and had 18 rebounds. Timme said this about coming to terms with his job:
“I think I just got that extra gear now I would say. I know in order for us to win and be the best that we can be I have to do certain things night in and night out.”
Six Bulldogs were in double figures, including Strawther, who had 22 points; Bolton, who scored 14 points; Watson, with 11. Off the bench Smith scored15 and Gregg had10.
What’s next?
The Gonzaga Bulldogs take to the road. The first stop is San Francisco to take on the USF Dons on Thursday, January 5. The Dons are 11-6 and have lost their last two games.
On Saturday, January 7, the Zags travel to Santa Clara to take on the 13-4 Broncos. The Broncos lost their last game against St. Mary’s.
Happy 2023 ZagsNation! Let’s stay safe and healthy out there.