ZAGS 360: Week 10 – Two great wins and Covid strikes again!
This week, the Gonzaga Bulldogs had two great wins over the BYU Cougars and Santa Clara Broncos. Unfortunately, Covid will rear its ugly head as a game next week is postponed.
The Zags are back to No. 1! This week was a great one for our Zags! The Gonzaga Bulldogs tore through BYU, showing there was no concern to be had. The last time the Cougars defeated the Bulldogs in the Kennel was February 25, 2017, and the last time it lost to a WCC team, the BYU Cougars was February 2020. Let’s take a look at this week’s games…
Gonzaga Bulldogs 110 vs. BYU Cougars 84
I know everyone was concerned about this game. I understand why. The BYU Cougars are a team to be concerned about unless you’re the Gonzaga Bulldogs. The Bulldogs had an incredible game.
The Cougars started the game putting seven points on the board to Gonzaga’s zero. I started sweating. Did we underestimate BYU? No, we did not. The Gonzaga Bulldogs did give up the lead twice in the first half, but it was over after they took the lead the second time. BYU did jump out to an 18-16 lead, but the Bulldogs would go on two impressive runs. First, a 15-4 run to open up a 31-22 lead, then a 15-4 run for a 46-27 lead, and never looked back.
Although Drew Timme was the high scorer with 30 points, Andrew Nembhard was the star of this game. Nembhard showed everyone that he is a pure point guard. He had 22 points, including four of six from three. Nembhard also had 12 assists and no turnovers. He was guarding Te’Jon Lucas, one of the Cougars’ stars, and held him to just ten points.
Four Gonzaga players were in double figures. With his high score, Timme added five rebounds and four assists. Julian Strawther scored 20 points, and Chet Holmgren had 12 points, seven rebounds, and five blocks.
The Cougars were not anything to sneeze at. Alex Barcello, Courgars’ starting guard, had the high score for them with 19 points, including four of six from beyond the arc, and Caleb Lohner had 17. Both teams had 33 rebounds. BYU had ten three-pointers in the first half.
For THREEE @JulianStrawther pic.twitter.com/goI6fEmYMW
— Gonzaga Basketball (@ZagMBB) January 14, 2022
Gonzaga Bulldogs 115 vs. Santa Clara Broncos 83
I enjoyed this game. At the 10:18 mark, the Zags were up by 20 points. Six Gonzaga players were in double figures. This time Anton Watson and Nolan Hickman were in the club.
Timme was the definite star of this game. With 32 points, eight rebounds, and a block. It seemed Timme was thoroughly enjoying himself as he scored the team’s first six points. I love his hook shot, it reminds me of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar‘s hook, and I believe it will do much for some lucky NBA team.
Next up, Nembhard continued his slaying with 19 points and six assists. Rasir Bolton was aggressive with 12 points and seven assists. Chet Holmgren had a double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds.
From the bench, Watson had a double-double also, with 11 points, 11 rebounds, and three steals. Hickman, who’s been quiet of late, had 14 points and four assists.
The Broncos put up a noble effort. Jalen Williams led his team with 17 points. Keshawn Justice had 13 and is the newest Broncos’ 1,000 point club member. Congratulations, Mr. Justice!
What’s next?
The Bulldogs were to travel to Stockton, CA, to play the Pacific Tigers, but it has been postponed due to the Tigers being on a Covid pause.
Instead, they will return home to play the San Francisco Dons. You can get all the information in our next Gonzaga Bulldogs – injuries, tv, odds, and more.
I missed you guys last week. Yes, I had the Rona. Thanks to being double vaccinated, I’m fine now, feeling great again. Please stay safe and healthy out there, and I’ll see you next week on Monday! Have a great week!
https://youtu.be/UIqK0fStr1I