Gonzaga handles business against Long Beach State, 84-41

Gonzaga’s matchup towards Lengthy Seashore State wasn’t their best show of basketball artistry, but it surely didn’t should be. Regardless of stretches of uninspired, sluggish play, the Bulldogs cruised to an 84-41 victory over the newly Dan Monson-less Seashore on the Kennel. The sport as soon as once more highlighted Gonzaga’s newfound versatility and depth, whereas additionally hinting at areas for development.

First Half: Surges and Struggles

From the opening tip, it was clear that Lengthy Seashore State was outmatched—a goat within the velociraptor paddock, à la Jurassic Park. They gave it their greatest effort, however generally all you are able to do is bleat and hope for a miracle.

The Zags constructed a commanding 23-6 lead halfway by way of the primary half, due to a 14-0 run orchestrated by Ryan Nembhard’s wizardry. Not solely is Nembhard capable of distribute, he’s stepped up as a scoring menace this yr and has clearly made it a precedence to be a extra dependable shooter from outdoors. He’s taking pictures over 40% from outdoors and taking higher photographs than he was final yr, additionally.

The Bulldogs opened issues on a tear, however inconsistency and lack of focus quickly crept in. With 5 minutes remaining within the half, Gonzaga fully misplaced observe of the fuel pedal, permitting Lengthy Seashore State to go on a 15-5 run. The Zags’ lead shrank to 40-24 and so they headed to the locker room somewhat dejected however principally decided to bounce again.

At halftime, Nembhard had already racked up 6 assists, whereas Braden Huff led all Zags in scoring with 8 factors off the bench (he would as soon as once more end in double figures with 12).

Second Half: Bulldogs Lock In… Variety Of

The second half instructed a barely completely different story. Gonzaga’s protection tightened up, holding Lengthy Seashore State to simply 17 factors over the ultimate 20 minutes. A number of scoring bursts, together with a Khalif Battle-led 14-0 run late within the sport, showcased the Bulldogs’ potential to dominate once they targeted on attacking the rim and drawing fouls.

Battle struggled from deep, going 1-6, however completed with 15 factors and shot an ideal 4-4 from the free-throw line. Graham Ike additionally scored 15 factors, grabbed 5 rebounds, and knocked down a silky clean perimeter jumper. As soon as once more, Ike began slowly however caught fireplace within the second half. I’ve to imagine that finally, the Zags will determine how you can ignite Ike earlier in video games. For now, it’s nice enjoyable to look at him play by way of these struggles and recapture the shape that made him unbelievable final season.

The fundamental truth is that Ike performs higher when he’s indignant—and nothing makes Ike angrier than taking part in poorly. It’s both a catch-22 or a rooster/egg conundrum. Both means, Ike is on a steeply upward trajectory after a tough begin to this season.

With 10 minutes remaining in regulation it was time for the bench to get some motion. With all starters on the bench, Ismaila Diagne put up one other 5 level efficiency (and snagged 3 steals) and Joaquim ArauzMoore hit a giant 3 to revitalize an understandably low-energy crowd. Having not seen Cade Orness or Graydon Lemke in these late-game conditions means that one or each are maybe redshirting this season alongside future pg Braeden Smith.

Standout Performances

Ryan Nembhard: Gonzaga’s level guard is on a mission to show he’s First Crew All-American materials. Via 5 video games, he’s averaging 12.8 factors and 10 assists whereas taking pictures 42% from three. In opposition to Lengthy Seashore State, Nembhard completed with 10 factors and seven assists in 28 minutes. His uncanny potential to ship the ball exactly the place it must be—whether or not within the basket or to an open teammate—cements his standing as a person in full management of the offense. If he spent much less time on the bench throughout blowouts, his stats could be much more eye-popping.

Dusty Stromer: Slowly however absolutely, Stromer is turning into the final word sixth man. He’s taking pictures 50% from three this season and has grabbed six rebounds in three of the workforce’s first 5 video games. In opposition to Lengthy Seashore State, Stromer scored 7 factors and made crucial hustle performs, exhibiting off a Joel Ayayi-esque potential to fly in from nowhere and seize unfastened balls. He’s already Gonzaga’s greatest perimeter one-on-one defender and his confidence on offense is rising. In his postgame feedback Coach Few was very direct in his reward of Dusty, a participant who could be beginning at 99% of different school basketball packages.

Ajayi Will Bounce Again

Michael Ajayi will win video games for Gonzaga this yr—there’s little doubt about that. He’s too athletic and expert to remain in a droop for much longer. By season’s finish, Ajayi could have given followers loads of causes to spend their hard-earned money on a Michael Ajayi Gonzaga jersey. It would occur. That stated, he was simply plain dangerous towards Lengthy Seashore State.

In 20 minutes of play, Ajayi managed simply 2 factors on 1-6 taking pictures, went 0-4 from three, and missed each of his tried free throws. He grabbed solely 3 rebounds—far beneath his season common of 6.8—and completed the sport with extra fouls than factors.

Off nights occur, however Ajayi additionally faltered on protection. He missed bottom rotations on ball screens and misplaced observe of his man on a couple of event, resulting in some fast layups and vast open appears to be like from outdoors for Lengthy Seashore State.

Nonetheless, there’s no cause to fret. The best way out of a droop is to maintain taking pictures, and Ajayi clearly has the inexperienced mild to fireplace away. Followers know what sort of defender and rebounder he could be. As soon as he finds his rhythm, he’ll remind everybody why he led the WCC in scoring and ranked second in rebounding final season. It’s solely a matter of time earlier than he will get again on observe.

An Apart: ESPN Can’t Hold Getting Away With This

ESPN+ is already overpriced and unreliable. Its streams are glitchy, its scheduling is inaccurate, and its person interface in some way manages to be each overly advanced and frustratingly naked. However blacking out video games for paying subscribers? That’s unacceptable.

Whether or not you’re in Spokane or Indonesia, for those who’re paying for ESPN+, it’s best to be capable to watch the sport. Interval.

In Conclusion

Even when Gonzaga isn’t at their greatest, this yr’s workforce remains to be dominant in a means we haven’t seen from a Gonzaga workforce since 2021. This win showcased the Bulldogs’ depth and flexibility, even amid lapses in effort and communication. Sloppy at occasions? Positive. However there’s much more to be enthusiastic about with this workforce than involved.