ZAGS 360: Week 14 – Chills, thrills, and a big surprise as streak continues
Teresa Powe
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Week 14 started with “another win,” plus a big surprise for the crowd. The week ended with a sigh of relief as the Gonzaga Bulldogs added two more to their win streak.
The big surprise was Jalen Suggs. Suggs never had a chance to play in a lit Kennel, but the crowd opened their arms and gave him the Kennel roar. Jalen was the Gonzaga Bulldogs‘ number one-ranked recruit and played with Chet Holmgren at Minnehaha Academy in Minneapolis, MN. Jalen now plays with Cole Anthony on the NBA’s Orlando Magic.
As always, it was an exciting week. Unfortunately, Gonzaga is not being challenged in the WCC. That’s not to say that WCC teams are not competitive; they are. It’s just how good Gonzaga is. Should Coach Few reach out to Coach John Calipari and schedule that Gonzaga/Kentucky game? Just one more Power 5 game to keep them on their toes.
Gonzaga Bulldogs 89 vs. Pacific Tigers 51
This game against the Tigers was a smooth ride from start to finish. The Bulldogs are intense, probably getting ready for the conference playoffs.
Drew Timme didn’t have the most points, he did have the most rebounds. With 13 points and ten rebounds, Timme was a force on the floor tonight. Zag Nation will miss Timme’s spirit and drive on this Gonzaga team when he heads to the NBA.
However, Rasir Bolton pulled out all the stops tonight. He zigged and zagged and came up with 20 points, four rebounds, and three assists. Bolton doubled his output. The story wasn’t the points; it was how he made them. Rasir shot four of six from beyond the arc with a catch and shoot, then swoosh. At 45% from three, Bolton is the best on the team.
Julian Strawther added 15 points and five rebounds to the game. Andrew Nembhard had a quiet night with nine points.
Pacific’s Alphonso Anderson led them with 16 points and eight rebounds. Sam Freeman had 12 points and five rebounds.
Now, you know this had to be the tweet!
??? ??? ???? ❤️?@jalensuggs pic.twitter.com/6wGR6v0Ufo
— Gonzaga Basketball (@ZagMBB) February 11, 2022
Gonzaga Bulldogs 74 vs. St. Mary’s Gaels 58
The last time St. Mary’s won in the Kennel was in 2018. However, Timme felt this was a good game for the Bulldogs going into March. Drew was definitely on his March behavior. He was 11 of 16 from the field for 25 points. In addition to the 25 points, Timme had eight rebounds, five assists, and one block.
Right behind Timme was Nembhard with 16 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists. Go, Nembhard! With three blocks in the first half, Chet Holmgren added 13 rebounds. This kid is phenomenal, and I hope he gets to play on an NBA team that will develop him properly. Strawther contributed 11 points, including a three-pointer that clinched the game for the Bulldogs. Bolton was very quiet with five points.
St. Mary’s was a tough competitor. They are currently ranked #22 but may change as of Monday. Their players are all big, and they don’t back down. Until the very last second, they battled the Bulldogs. Tommy Kuhse had 16 points and five rebounds. Matthias Tass had 14 points, and Alex Ducas had 12 points for the Gaels.
With this win over St. Mary’s Gonzaga is again number one!
What’s next?
On Wednesday, February 16, the Bulldogs travel to Malibu, CA, to play the Pepperdine Waves. The Waves are 7-20 overall, 1-11 conference, 7-7 at home with a two-game losing streak.
The Bulldogs then return home to wrap up their Kennel season against the Santa Clara Broncos. The Broncos are 17-9 overall, 7-4 conference, 3-4 away with a one-game losing streak.
Related Story: Is Chet Holmgren a good fit in Portland?
Coach Mark Few has developed a program at Gonzaga that is truly special. Every year he gets some of the best recruits in the nation and turns them into a winning brotherhood that will not back down, even in defeat. He deserves Coach of the Year every year.
This was a really cool week Zags Nation with Suggs returning to the Kennel. Wednesday we will have another spotlight. I haven’t chosen a Bulldog yet and would love your input. If you have a suggestion, please leave it in the comments section or on social media. Until next time, please stay safe and healthy