Gonzaga Game Recap: Zags 86, Coppin State 51
By Josh Horton
Dec 1, 2013; Spokane, WA, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Gary Bell Jr. (5) goes up for a basket against Coppin State Eagles forward Brandon St. Louis (40) during the second half at McCarthey Athletic Center. The Bulldogs beat Eagles 86-51 Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
The Gonzaga Bulldogs dismantled the Eagles of Coppin State by a score of 86 to 51.
The Bulldogs were led by Gary Bell Jr., who scored 15 points. Gerard Coleman, Sam Dower, and Kyle Dranginis were also able to finish in double figures as well with 14, 11 and 10 points respectively.
Dower’s 10 rebounds along with his 11 points were good for a double-double. Kevin Pangos distributed 6 assists to fellow teammates to lead Gonzaga in that category. Senior forward Drew Barham had a quiet 6 rebounds off the bench.
The Zags looked sharp on the offensive end like always. Mark Few’s squad shot 48.4 percent from the field and 46.2 percent from three-point range in the victory. Those are percentages that make coaches happy.
The Eagles had double digit scoring performances from Sterling Smith and Arnold Fripp, who had 10 apiece. Taariq Cephas led Coppin State in rebounds and assists with 5 and 4.
Stat of the Night
Senior forward Samuel Dower Jr. recorded his 2nd double-double of the season tonight. His only double-double prior to this season was in 2011-2012 in a win versus Xavier (20 points, 10 rebounds)
Keys to the Game Checklist
No Maui Hangover – Check
The Bulldogs did not come out flat in this game by any extent. The Bulldogs outscored Coppin State 39 to 14 in the first half.
Make it Rain – Check
Gonzaga shot 46.2 percent from three-point range today, and made 12 threes total throughout the game.
The Bottom Line
Although Elias Harris and Kelly Olynyk are gone, Gonzaga has not skipped a beat offensively because of the plethora of options Mark Few has on the perimeter. Kevin Pangos, Gary Bell Jr., David Stockton, Kyle Dranginis, and Gerard Coleman are all legitimate options at the guard position, and all have played well in the early part of the season.
Senior forward Sam Dower is proving that he can still produce in long stretches throughout the course of the game. He looks much more aggressive this season, something Bulldog nation has not seen from Dower in his career.