Gonzaga Game Recap: Zags Rout Simon Fraser in Exhibition
By Josh Horton
Feb. 7, 2013; Spokane, WA, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs center Sam Dower (35) dunks the ball during a game against the Pepperdine Waves during the first half at the McCarthey Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
The Gonzaga Bulldogs took down the Simon Fraser Clan in an exhibition game tonight by a score of 103-68. The Mark Few led Bulldogs showcased the latest version of the Bulldogs, a team forced to replace three starters from last season: Kelly Olynyk, Elias Harris, and Mike Hart.
Sam Dower led the scoring charge for the Zags with 20 points. Gerard Coleman followed with 16. A pair of seven-footers, Przemek Karnowski and Ryan Edwards had 13 apiece.
The Gonzaga front-court impressed tonight, although this game must be taken with a grain of salt considering Simon Fraser’s tallest player on its roster is listed at 6-9, and second tallest is 6-6. Dower and Karnowski dominated the paint, and looked stellar offensive and controlled the boards. Edwards was the first “true” big man off the bench for the Bulldogs. Although he made some mistakes and committed some careless fouls, he has a lot of promise and could develop into a good player for Few and the Bulldogs.
The back-court did their thing as usually. David Stockton in particular made some phenomenal passes. Stockton is a limited athlete and at time a poor defender, but his court vision is impeccable.
Although he was not inserted in the starting lineup like most expected (Starting Lineup: Pangos, Bell, Stockton, Dower, Karnowski), Gerard Coleman showed flashes of sheer dominance on the floor today. The Simon Fraser defenders simply were not quick enough to keep up with Coleman, and as a result Coleman blew by most of them, and finished with superb touch around the rim. Gerard Coleman could be the most athletic player this program has ever seen.
All three active walk-on’s – Dustin Triano, Connor Griffin, and Brian Baskhar – saw action at the end of the game, as well as freshman forward Luke Meikle. Griffin showed some offensive prowise, something he did not show in the Kraziness in the Kennel scrimmage.
The Bulldogs next action will be on November 9th, when they take on Bryant Univeristy at the McCarthy Athletic Center.