Gonzaga hosted San Diego on Wednesday night for some WCC hoops action in Spokane. Entering the season, this would have seemed like the most lopsided game all season, with the Zags at home projected to win likely in the 40’s or more.
Gonzaga entered the game 3-0 in conference play, and looking to make another statement against a team that was considered to be an easier win in conference play.
On the other hand, San Diego 1-2 in conference play, but had defined odds, beating Pacific as well as keeping it very close against Santa Clara, losing by just 1 point.
Gonzaga took a commanding lead in the first half, but the Toreros kept it close throughout the game. Although the Zags won, it was very close, with Gonzaga winning at the end.
The final score was 93-80, to the Zags.
Leading the score sheet for them was Ben Gregg, putting up 23 points on 9/12 shooting. It was his second best game of the year, showing upside for the Zags. Khalif Battle had 20, and grabbed 6 rebounds as well.
The most surprising statline was Graham Ike, who although had 15 points, hit just 1 shot. 13 of his 15 points came at the free throw line, showing his ability to get to the line, but not his ability to rely on scoring when he doesn’t get calls. Gonzaga is lucky that they played San Diego, or they would have been in much more trouble playing the way they did.
San Diego’s leading scorers were Kjay Bradley Jr, Santiago Trouet, Bendji Pierre, and Kody Clouet. Trouet and Pierre have been good all season, and have emerged as valuable players for the Toreros.
Bradley Jr. has been a star this season. The JUCO transfer from San Diego City College has come off the bench for the Toreros, and led the team in scoring by 6 points, averaging 15.7 on the season. Not only has he been the best 6th man in the WCC, but he has been a star for San Diego, and could lead them to big wins, or keep it close with elite teams such as Gonzaga, or even Santa Clara.
San Diego is good. They have been poor this season in terms of their record, but they really have the ability to upset any team in the WCC. It will be fun to watch the Toreros this season.