San Diego State coach Brian Dutcher has a very completely different roster than he did final season when his Aztecs upset the Zags within the Kennel, 84-74. The absence of Reese Waters was missed this time round and Miles Byrd (0 factors, 5 rebounds, 3 assists) didn’t make as massive of as an influence as one could have hoped. Byrd was a game-time determination as he was recovering from a foot subject.
Gonzaga’s protection was locked in even by way of coping with San Diego State’s sluggish offensive tempo. The Zags pressured the Aztecs to 23-61 from the sphere (37.7%) and 8-25 on three-pointers (32.0%) which is fairly uncharacteristic for what Dutcher’s (and former coach Steve Fisher) program has put collectively during the last decade or so.
Three Zags had been in early foul troubles heading to halftime locker room with two every for Graham Ike, Khalif Battle, and Ben Gregg. It actually didn’t matter because of effort from Braden Huff off the bench (10 factors on 4-10 FG/2-3 3PT and 4 rebounds). The sophomore’s largest enchancment from Yr 1 to Yr 2 needs to be his capacity to safe positioning on the low block. On the published, Wealthy Waltz of CBS Sports activities stated that he believes that Huff will lead the West Coast Convention in scoring. One thing to ponder, take into consideration.
Ike was additionally on a revenge tour as he got here into the matchup with an general report of 0-5 in opposition to San Diego State (performed at Wyoming within the Mountain West Convention for 2 seasons from 2020-2022). He performed with anger however in management through the second half. His power actually began the run within the second half which then impressed his teammates. That was simply the perfect efficiency that Ike has put collectively at this early level of the season with a tied game-high 23 factors (7-9 FG, Sep 11 FT) and a tied game-high 9 rebounds. When he will get his ft set within the publish, it’s sport over for majority of defenders.
Somebody who wasn’t in full management of his sport was Khalif Battle. Playing on passes when he shouldn’t be, being too aggressive when looking for methods to attain. However that’s okay as a result of depth continues to be the most important energy for Gonzaga. Everybody goes to have off nights on a number of events all through this season however another person will finally choose up the slack.
Ryan Nembhard has been rattling comfy with the ball in his fingers. His capacity to drive and dish is turning into so informal now. On the season, Nembhard has 40 assists to a mere 5 turnovers (8:1 help to turnover ratio). Towards the Aztecs, he completed with a season-high 19 factors and continued to get to the free throw line whereas going 8-8. In actual fact, the complete workforce did because the Zags completed 27-31 FT (87.1%. For Nembhard to try this in opposition to the physicality of San Diego State within the Viejas Heart is not any straightforward process, thus additional proving he’s the perfect lead guard within the nation proper now.
Value a point out that Dusty Stromer has been locked in from deep this season (6-12 3PT, 50%). He did most of his harm on the defensive finish out on the wing in opposition to the Aztecs. Stromer’s play deserves extra love for what he has been in a position to put collectively for coach Mark Few’s second unit.
As all the time, nice perception on the decision from Gonzaga legend and CBS Sports activities coloration commentator Dan Dickau. Prepare for lots extra of Gonzaga and San Diego State matchups with him presumably on the calls sooner or later. Will probably be the most important rivalry within the new Pac-12 Convention.
The Aztecs fall to 2-1 and the Zags transfer to 4-0 on the season with already three high quality wins in the direction of their NCAA Event resume (Baylor, Arizona State, and at San Diego State). Subsequent on Gonzaga’s schedule is Lengthy Seaside State out of the Huge West Convention within the Kennel on Wednesday, November twentieth at 6 PM PT on ESPN+.
Arden Cravalho is a Gonzaga College graduate from the Bay Space… Observe him on Twitter @a_cravalho
