Bulldogs beat the Wildcats

The Zags took down the Arizona Wildcats in the Battle in Seattle at Key Arena in Seattle, Washington 71-60.

The final score was not nearly a reflection of how the game played out. Gonzaga came out strong; they opened up a huge lead (14-0) and never really looked back in the first half. Elias Harris led all scorers with 25 points; 17 of them came in the first half. His superior play and domination on the court propelled the Bulldogs to the much needed win.

In the second half, it was the tale of two ten minute periods. Gonzaga led by 18 at the half, although it fluctuated a few points at a time, the 18 point margin was still standing at the 10:08 mark in the second half. Then, it was all Wildcats, clawing back into the game. And the Zags let them, just as they did against several other teams this season.

With a 1:20 left in the game, GU was only up by six. It was ridiculous. Another anxiety filled game that should have been a blowout. Surprisingly this game wasn’t a double digit turnover game; it was just a fall apart and make a huge lead disappear game.

For the second straight game, GU was outscored in the second half. No one else really stood out for the Zags. Rob Sacre and Sam Dower contributed 10 points apiece—that’s how seven-footers are supposed to play—but only a combined nine rebounds—not how the big guys are supposed to play.

Kevin Pangos tossed in 11 points, nine of which were from the free throw line. The kid is trustwothy at the charity strip, but seems to have cooled off from beyond the arc (0-5) and even in the key region (1-9). He did, however, notch eight assists, which shows what a great point guard he is. He helps his teammates look good.

The dog fights aren’t over, as Gonzaga hosts mid-major and co-Cinderella story Butler on Tuesday in the Kennel.