Gonzaga Game Recap: Pangos Leads Bulldogs to 91-81 Victory over Arkansas
By Josh Horton
Nov 21, 2013; Spokane, WA, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Kevin Pangos (4) walks off the court after a game against the Washington State Cougars at McCarthey Athletic Center. The Bulldogs beat Cougars 90-74. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
Gonzaga beat Arkansas by a score of 91 to 81 to claim 5th place in the Maui Invitational.
Kevin Pangos set his career high in scoring with 34 points. The junior point guard shot 10 of 15 from the field, including 7 of 8 from beyond the three-point arc. Pangos made the Arkansas defense pay on several occasions when they did not cover him as closely on the perimeter.
Sam Dower Jr. and Gary Bell Jr. were the only other Bulldogs to score in double-figures with 19 and 13 points respectively. David Stockton led the Bulldogs in assists with 6, and Przemek Karnowski had 9 rebounds to top the Zags.
Bobby Portis had a very solid game for the Razorbacks. The freshman power forward led Arkansas in scoring and tied for the lead in rebounding with 18 points and 7 rebounds.
Stat of the Night
Kevin Pangos averaged 26.3 points per game throughout the Maui Invitation, just 2.3 points shorts of Adam Morrisons 28.6 average in the 2005 Maui Invitational. However, Pangos did shoot 52.5% from the field, and 57.6% from 3-point range, metrics that are better than what Morrison posted in 2005 (50.0% from the field, 53.8% from 3).
Keys to the Game Checklist
Less Stockton, More Coleman – X
Coleman only played 6 minutes to Stockton’s 33. Although it didn’t affect the outcome of the game as much, Coleman’s athleticism will be needed down the road. His lack of playing time at this stage in the season is detrimental to his confidence, and could possibly make Coleman disgruntled.
Second Chance Points – X
Gonzaga gave up 18 offensive rebounds to Arkansas, while Gonzaga only grabbed 9 for themselves.
The Bottom Line
The Bulldogs bounced back well after dropping their first game in Dayton and claimed 5th place with a 2-1 record. The Gonzaga displayed itself as an elite offensive team in the tournament, but perimeter defense and rebounding remain concerns even after the Bulldogs stay in Maui.