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.

Happy about the win, sad about the performance

Ninety-three percent—the best statistic compiled for tonight. Gonzaga hosted their 100^th game in the McCarthy Athletic Center Thursday night to Oral Roberts of Tulsa, Oklahoma. The Zags clinched their 93^rd win.

ORU came to the Kennel and nearly beat the Zags. The Summit League favorite put up a tough fight, but in the end, was slightly overmatched and fell 67-61.

Gonzaga struggled yet again to hold onto a big lead and take advantage having superior height, depth, talent on their side. A win is a win on the schedule, so I guess there is no reason to complain, but after the carelessness on the court Thursday night, there really isn’t a whole lot to be happy about.

High points included Elias Harris tallying a double-double after playing subpar against Michigan State last week, Kevin Pangos knocking down a perfect 8 for 8 from the free throw line, and a strong first half finish. Harris grabbed ten boards and scored 12 points for the night. The Zags ended the first half on a 17-2 run to take over the game.

The low points would be the Golden Eagles out scoring GU the second half, 17 turnovers, and Kevin Pangos going 4-17 from the field (2-9 from two point range and 2-8 from beyond the arc). It was sloppy on both sides of the court. Defense was bad, but offense seemed to be worse.

Some big shots, including a pair of threes from Mike Hart and Gary Bell Jr. down the final stretch helped keep the Bulldogs in the game, but the numerous turnovers inside the paint on the offensive end was terrible.

The Zags have Arizona next at the Battle in Seattle on Saturday. There is tremendous pressure to step up and play well in the Key Arena against a pretty god PAC-12 team.