Gonzaga Basketball Recap: Zags Offense Rolls to 100-76 Victory
By Josh Horton
Nov 9, 2013; Spokane, WA, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs center Sam Dower (35) attempts a free throw against the Bryant Bulldogs during the first half at McCarthey Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
The Gonzaga Bulldogs got their first victory tonight when they defeated Bryant University by a score of 100 to 76.
The Kennel had some empty seats, but overall it was a good turnout for the Bulldogs first home game.
The Bulldogs were led by senior forward, who recorded a double-double with 23 points and 17 rebounds. Gerard Coleman, Kevin Pangos, Gary Bell Jr., and Przemek Karnowski also got in double-digits with 15, 14, 14, and 10 points respectively.
Dyami Starks single-handedly accounted for 46 percent of Bryants offense with 35 points. Although most of his points came in the second half when the Gonzaga had the game in hand, he was getting to the rim with ease and picking his spots on the floor. Starks impressed in this game.
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No Redshirt for Meikle?
Luke Meikle, a freshman forward from Bellermine Prep High School in Tacoma, Wash., was expected to red-shirt this season. However with the lack of depth in the frontcourt this season, combined with the fact that backup center Ryan Edwards is out for the next two games after getting his tonsils out, Meikle suited up tonight eliminating any chance for him to redshirt this year. Meikle played 8 minutes and corralled 1 rebound in tonight’s win.
Point Guard by Committee
Several players took the ball up the court for the Bulldogs tonight. Pangos, Stockton, and Bell Jr. – the starting guards for the Bulldogs – recorded 5, 4, and 3 assists respectively. Each can dribble the ball up and act as the Zags floor general. Expect this trend to continue throughout the whole season.
Pangos Slump?
Kevin Pangos did a great job of getting to the hole and finishing in the lane. However, he did not have a great game from behind the arc. Pangos’ 1 from 7 three-point performance tonight is reminiscent of the slump he endured last year. Bulldog fans hope that this is not the start of a slump for Pangos, and just an off game.
Draginis: Sixth Man
Many people expected Gerard Coleman to be the first guard off the bench for Gonzaga. However, Mark Few checked in sophomore guard Kyle Dranginis before any Bulldog guard. To boot, Dranginis had a solid game (9 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists).
Dower Power
Sam Dower shined in this contest, scoring 21 points on only 13 shots. His rebounding looks much improved from last year, and could be the anchor of the Zags front-court this season.
Next game: vs. Colorado State, 6 PM PST.