Gonzaga Game Recap: Bulldogs Wallop Rams 93-61
By Josh Horton
Nov 9, 2013; Spokane, WA, USA; Member of the Gonzaga Bulldogs basketball team huddle up before a game against the Bryant Bulldogs at McCarthey Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
The shooting of Gary Bell Jr. was the highlight in Gonzaga 93 to 61 victory over Colorado State. The Zags got off to a hot start, leading the Rams by 21 points at halftime. Two back-to-back Bell Jr. threes to start the second half was the proverbial dagger for Colorado State, and the Zags played the majority of the second half with backups and walk ons.
The Zags were led in scoring by Bell Jr., who put up 24 points on 8 of 14 shooting. Gerard Coleman and Kevin Pangos helped the cause with 16 and 13 points respectively. Przemek Karnowski led the Bulldogs with 10 rebounds, and was 2 points away from a double-double. Sam Dower Jr. grabbed 9 as well. Senior David Stockton was the Bulldogs leader in assists tonight with 4.
Guard Jon Octeus was the Rams only answer to the Bulldogs tonight. Octeus had 27 points. Junior guard Daniel Berjarano was held to only 9 points on 4 of 13 shooting; Gonzaga shut him down tonight.
Player of the Game
Gary Bell Jr. / Gerard Coleman
The popular choice for player of the game is Bell Jr., and rightfully so. The junior guard had 24 points tonight and shot the lights out. However, Gerard Coleman had some stretches in this game where he absolutely took over.
In the last 1 minute and 30 seconds of the first half, Coleman was a one man wrecking crew. He scored 7 points in that short span, and looked virtually unstoppable to end the half. The Gonzaga faithful has been excited about Coleman for quite some time, and he showed the nation why in this contest.
Keys to the Game – Report Card
Stay Out of Foul Trouble – Check
Between Dower, Karnowski, and Barham, the Bulldogs only had 5 fouls. Not having any of its bigs in foul trouble was key for Gonzaga.
Wing Defense – Check
The Bulldogs played a lot of zone in this matchup, as expected. That still does not change the fact that the Rams leading scorer – Berjarano – was held to single digit points.
Shoot the Lights Out – Check.
The Bulldogs shot 45.2 % from beyond the three point arc. The Zags made 14 threes in total.