I received’t care if some individuals don’t like me for saying this however I used to be embarrassed to be a Gonzaga alum and fan on Saturday night time. The Kennel made the College, Mark Few, and this group that works so onerous each day look silly. I really feel ashamed when my mates and colleagues come as much as me to speak about what transpired in that key West Coast Convention matchup. It damage my coronary heart to have witness, I’m severe. The Zags (18-6, 7-2) at the moment are two video games behind the Gaels (18-6, 9-0… have received 10 video games in a row) and in a two-way tie for second place with USF.
WATCH: Right here is the second when Gonzaga followers began throwing stuff on the ground after being upset with the officiating. The gamers and enviornment PA announcer had been attempting to inform them to cease. @kxly4news pic.twitter.com/bgcSx56wZH
— Julian Mininsohn (@JMininsohn) February 4, 2024
Sure, in fact there have been greater than a good quantity of questionable calls and one in a specific key second of the sport. That’s going to occur in school basketball, get used to the inconsistency. The ref on that baseline name with Aidan Mahaney (20 factors on on 7-17 FG and 4-10 3PT) being clearly out of bounds together with his drive on Graham Ike (12 factors on 4-10 FG and 4-4 FT, 12 rebounds, 4 private fouls) which additionally seemed like a kicked ball deserves to be roasted. Little doubt about that. Can’t overlook the foul on the ground in opposition to Anton Watson (16 factors on 6-10 FG, 1-1 3PT, and 3-4 FT to associate with 10 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 4 private fouls) within the closing seconds which was simply as dangerous. However to fully blame the loss on that, lose your thoughts as a fanbase and begin throwing stuff on the ground explanation for it? No, don’t do this. This scholar physique ought to know higher. I’m wondering what the highest 10 recruit within the Class of 2025 – Isiah Harwell – had to consider that when he was on his official go to to Gonzaga that day.
That is on the gamers and the Zags merely bought outplayed by the Gaels. It shouldn’t have come to that time within the last minutes. This squad is having a very powerful time closing out video games in opposition to good groups similar to Saint Mary’s. Gonzaga doesn’t appear to be finishers and has main bother holding onto leads.
Mahaney, now he’s a dawg. The combination of persistence and fast maneuvering to search out himself on the rim is NBA degree stuff. His taking pictures percentages throughout the board have taken a dip his sophomore season in comparison with his popping out occasion in his freshman marketing campaign however you wouldn’t have believed that after his efficiency in opposition to Gonzaga.
Saint Mary’s is just loaded. Joshua Jefferson (16 factors on 7-14 FG, 11 rebounds, 4 assists) is somebody you overlook about most of time with Augustas Marciulionis (11 factors on 4-9 FG and 2-3 3PT, 4 assists, 3 rebounds, 2 steals) and Mitchell Saxen (15 factors on 6-10 FG and 6 rebounds) getting extra of the highlight however he got here in to indicate off his toughness as a person participant. I can’t wait till I get to move right down to the McKeon Pavilion in Moraga to start with of March because the Zags search revenge in opposition to the Gaels. Going to wish somebody off the bench in Dusty Stromer (8 minutes performed) or Luka Krajnovic (3 minutes performed) to hit a shot or two within the common season finale.
Don’t get me fallacious with my adverse jib-jabber, Gonzaga nonetheless looks like an NCAA Match group. Saint Mary’s did, that’s for certain. It’s simply unusual trying on the roster on paper and considering that is the place we’re at proper now. An excessive amount of expertise and accolades to be right here at this level within the season.
All video games are must-win for the Zags at this level and a tricky highway win at #17 Kentucky on Saturday can actually change my opinion on how this season has been going within the fallacious path. I don’t prefer to look forward on the schedule however that’s been on my radar because the loss at Santa Clara. Want a Quad 1 win so badly with Jon Calipari’s Cats and at Saint Mary’s trying like the one remaining alternatives till probably within the WCC Match in Las Vegas.
Gonzaga first has to host Portland on Wednesday at 5 PM PT on CBS Sports activities Community. Watch out together with your actions, Kennel. Very cautious.
Arden Cravalho is a Gonzaga College graduate from the Bay Space… Comply with him on Twitter @a_cravalho
