#8 Gonzaga Easily Defeats Texas Southern 94-54

The Zags easily handled Texas Southern, beating them by a score of 94-54.  This game was just about what most people expected.  I think that there are some benefits from this game that may not be seen on the score sheet.

Kevin Pangos was able to get back on track a bit.  He had 11 points and was 3-5 from behind the arc.  Pangos had only made 4 threes in the past 4 games.  This game against Texas Southern should be a confidence booster for Pangos.  He is a great shooter who was just on a cold streak.

Kyle Wiltjer had another great game and is establishing himself as a strong team leader.  He had 21 points tonight going 9-11 from the field.  He was also 3-3 from three point range.

Mark Few had an interesting starting lineup in this game.  Przemek Karnowski and Kyle Wiltjer were benched in favor of Angel Nunez and Domantas Sabonis.  I think this is a great move to give these players some more minutes.  Nunez, who didn’t have any minutes against UCLA, was able to get back on the floor.  He finished with 8 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists.

Dec 15, 2014; Spokane, WA, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Silas Melson (0) makes a basket against the Texas Southern Tigers during the first half at McCarthey Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

Silas Melson was also able to get some more playing time.  Few had guards play a little differently that usual.  Along with Melson, Kyle Dranginis also had extended playing time.  This is good experience for the two as things have been shaky lately when Kevin Pangos is not playing the point.  Gary Bell Jr. has been handling those duties well lately when Pangos isn’t in.  There was simply a period of adjustment.

As for Texas Southern, most of their success came from their guards.  Guards Madarious Gibbs, Deverell Biggs, and David Blanks combined for 35 of the Tigers’ 54 points.  This was a bit expected as Gonzaga had a major height advantage in the post.

Gonzaga now looks to take on Cal Poly in the Battle in Seattle. The Broncos defeated the San Francisco Dons 78-71 on Monday night.