ZAGS 360: Week 5 – A win and a Covid cancellation
The Gonzaga Bulldogs had a great game against the Merrimack Warriors, but the Washington Huskies game was canceled due to Covid protocol.
Covid protocol cancellations are back. It cost the Gonzaga Bulldogs a much-anticipated matchup with Washington. Earlier in the week, Gonzaga rebounded from their loss to Alabama with a convincing win over Merrimack.
Gonzaga 80 vs. Merrimack 55
The game against Merrimack was an exciting game to watch. The Gonzaga Bulldogs played in their winning Gonzaga style and soundly defeated the Warriors.
Drew Timme was Gonzaga’s high scorer with 22 points, along with seven rebounds. Rasir Bolton got down the court with lightning speed, and it seems he’s all over the court at once. Bolton also had seven rebounds with six points. Julian Strawther is scoring anywhere on the court and is an excellent replacement for Corey Kispert. Strawther had 15 points for his team.
Andrew Nembhard looked the part of the floor general, and his play was just as convincing. He became the newest member of Gonzaga’s 1,000 points club, Nembhard is Gonzaga’s best all-around player.
ICYMI our guy @AndrewNembhard recently hit the 1,000-point mark in his career! pic.twitter.com/RDYPI2DROo
— Gonzaga Basketball (@ZagMBB) December 12, 2021
Chet Holmgren is an amazing player, and he was terrific against Merrimack. His wiry physique is misleading. Holmgren won’t hesitate to go into the paint. His putbacks, blocks, and overall defense should help the Gonzaga Bulldogs go all the way in March. Holmgren scored 15 points to go with 15 rebounds, 4 blocks, and 3 steals.
Anton Watson was one point away from a double-double and a master in the paint. He was great to watch putting up 9 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals.
What’s next?
The Texas Tech Red Raiders are next. The Red Raiders are in the AP top 25 for the first time this season. They are ranked number 25.
What to look for
Texas Tech has an overall record of 7-1including 1-1 away from Lubbock, TX. A team that has just been put on the AP rankings will work hard to stay there. They have several players who score in double figures in most games.
Gonzaga has more teams like Baylor, Duke, and Alabama on the Horizon. Hopefully, the Bulldogs learned something from their two losses. The scoring, speed, and hustling are great, but Gonzaga must do it with every team they play. Let’s hope to see it against Texas Tech. Additionally, the Zags have to get better with their free throws. Missed free throws were a big part of their loss to Alabama. It was a nine-point deficit and GU missed 12 free throws.
https://youtu.be/ggIoO-98PCE
See you next week. Stay safe and healthy!