Gonzaga earns an 80-67 victory over soon-to-be Pac-12 Conference rival San Diego State

San Diego State coach Brian Dutcher has a completely different roster than last season when his Aztecs upset the Zags at the Kennel, 84-74. Reese Waters’ absence was missed this time around and Miles Byrd (0 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists) didn’t have as big an impact as you might have hoped. Byrd was a decision during the game as he was recovering from a foot problem.

Gonzaga’s defense was locked down even with San Diego State’s sluggish offensive pace. The Zags forced the Aztecs to go 23-61 from the field (37.7%) and 8-25 on three-pointers (32.0%), which is quite unusual for what Dutcher’s (and former coach Steve Fisher’s) program has seen in recent memory. compiled for ten years. or so.

Three Zags had early trouble on the way to the locker room at halftime, with two each for Graham Ike, Khalif Battle and Ben Gregg. It didn’t really matter thanks to Braden Huff’s effort off the bench (10 points on 4-10 FG/2-3 3PT and 4 rebounds). The biggest improvement for the sophomore from Year 1 to Year 2 is his ability to position himself on the low block. During the broadcast, CBS Sports’ Rich Waltz said he believes Huff will lead the West Coast Conference in scoring. Something to think about, to think about.

Ike was also on a revenge tour when he entered the game with an overall record of 0-5 against San Diego State (played two seasons at Wyoming in the Mountain West Conference from 2020-2022). He played furiously but composedly during the second half. His energy really sparked the run in the second half, which then inspired his teammates. That was by far the best performance Ike has put up at this early point in the season, with a game-high 23 points (7-9 FG, 9-11 FT) and a game-high 9 rebounds. If he puts his feet on the post, the game is over for most defenders.

Someone who was not in full control of his game was Khalif Battle. Gambling on passes when you shouldn’t, and being too aggressive in looking for ways to score. But that’s OK, because depth remains Gonzaga’s greatest strength. Everyone will have several nights off this season, but eventually someone else will pick up the slack.

Ryan Nembhard felt damn comfortable with the ball in his hands. His ability to drive and dish becomes so casual now. On the season, Nembhard has 40 assists to just five turnovers (8:1 assist-to-turnover ratio). Against the Aztecs, he finished with a season-high 19 points and went 8-8 to the free throw line. In fact, the entire team did it as the Zags finished 27-31 FT (87.1%). For Nembhard to do that against the physicality of San Diego State at the Viejas Center is no easy task, further proving that he is the best senior guard in the world. country at the moment.

It’s worth noting that Dusty Stromer has been locked in from deep this season (6-12 3PT, 50%). He did most of his damage on the defensive end on the wing against the Aztecs. Stromer’s play deserves more love for what he’s put together for coach Mark Few’s second unit.

As always, great insight into the call from Gonzaga legend and CBS Sports color commentator Dan Dickau. Get ready for many more Gonzaga vs. San Diego State games with him possibly appearing in the future. It will be the biggest rivalry in the new Pac-12 Conference.

The Aztecs fall to 2-1 and the Zags move to 4-0 on the season with three quality wins already adding to their NCAA Tournament resume (Baylor, Arizona State and at San Diego State). Next up on Gonzaga’s schedule is Long Beach State in the Big West Conference at the Kennel on Wednesday, November 20 at 6pm PT on ESPN+.

Arden Cravalho is a graduate of Gonzaga University from the Bay Area… Follow him on Twitter @a_cravalho