The Zags usually get it done of the offensive end but the effort on the defensive side of the floor was why this victory was pulled out at the Viejas Center.
San Diego State coach Brian Dutcher has a completely different roster than he did last season when his Aztecs upset the Zags in the Kennel, 84-74. The absence of Reese Waters was missed this time around and Miles Byrd (0 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists) didn’t make as big of as an impact as one may have hoped. Byrd was a game-time decision as he was recovering from a foot issue.
Gonzaga’s defense was locked in even through dealing with San Diego State’s slow offensive pace. The Zags forced the Aztecs to 23-61 from the field (37.7%) and 8-25 on three-pointers (32.0%) which is pretty uncharacteristic for what Dutcher’s (and former coach Steve Fisher) program has put together over the last decade or so.
Three Zags were in early foul troubles heading to halftime locker room with two each for Graham Ike, Khalif Battle, and Ben Gregg. It really didn’t matter thanks to effort from Braden Huff off the bench (10 points on 4-10 FG/2-3 3PT and 4 rebounds). The sophomore’s biggest improvement from Year 1 to Year 2 has to be his ability to secure positioning on the low block. On the broadcast, Rich Waltz of CBS Sports said that he believes that Huff will lead the West Coast Conference in scoring. Something to ponder, think about.
Ike was also on a revenge tour as he came into the matchup with an overall record of 0-5 against San Diego State (played at Wyoming in the Mountain West Conference for two seasons from 2020-2022). He played with anger but in control during the second half. His energy really started the run in the second half which then inspired his teammates. That was easily the best performance that Ike has put together at this early point of the season with a tied game-high 23 points (7-9 FG, 9-11 FT) and a tied game-high 9 rebounds. When he gets his feet set in the post, it’s game over for majority of defenders.
Someone who wasn’t in complete control of his game was Khalif Battle. Gambling on passes when he shouldn’t be, being too aggressive when trying to find ways to score. But that’s okay because depth continues to be the biggest strength for Gonzaga. Everyone is going to have off nights on multiple occasions throughout this season but someone else will eventually pick up the slack.
Ryan Nembhard has been damn comfortable with the ball in his hands. His ability to drive and dish is becoming so casual now. On the season, Nembhard has 40 assists to a mere five turnovers (8:1 assist to turnover ratio). Against the Aztecs, he finished with a season-high 19 points and continued to get to the free throw line while going 8-8. In fact, the entire team did as the Zags finished 27-31 FT (87.1%. For Nembhard to do that against the physicality of San Diego State in the Viejas Center is no easy task, thus further proving he’s the best lead guard in the country right now.
Worth a mention that Dusty Stromer has been locked in from deep this season (6-12 3PT, 50%). He did most of his damage on the defensive end out on the wing against the Aztecs. Stromer’s play deserves more love for what he has been able to put together for coach Mark Few’s second unit.
As always, great insight on the call from Gonzaga legend and CBS Sports color commentator Dan Dickau. Get ready for a lot more of Gonzaga and San Diego State matchups with him possibly on the calls in the future. It will be the biggest rivalry in the new Pac-12 Conference.
The Aztecs fall to 2-1 and the Zags move to 4-0 on the season with already three quality wins towards their NCAA Tournament resume (Baylor, Arizona State, and at San Diego State). Next on Gonzaga’s schedule is Long Beach State out of the Big West Conference in the Kennel on Wednesday, November 20th at 6 PM PT on ESPN+.
Arden Cravalho is a Gonzaga University graduate from the Bay Area… Follow him on Twitter @a_cravalho