3 days Ago By Arden Cravalho
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 and Miles Byrd (0 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists) didn’t make as big of as an impact. Byrd was a game-time decision as he was recovering from a foot issue.
Gonzaga’s defense was locked even when 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%). 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).
His 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 he believes that Braden Huff will lead the West Coast Conference in scoring. Something to ponder, think about.
Ike played with anger but in control in the second half. That was easily the best performance he’s put together all season with a tied game-high 23 points (7-9 FG, 9-11 FT) and a tied game-high 9 rebounds. When Ike gets his feet set in the post, it’s game over.
Graham Ike gets his first win against San Diego State on his sixth try and did it in high fashion. 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 pick up the slack. Ryan Nembhard has been damn comfortable with the ball in his hands.
On the season, he has 40 assists to a mere five turnovers (8:1 assist to turnover ratio). Against the Aztecs, Nembhard 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%). 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 San Diego State.
Stromer deserves more love for what he has been able to put together for 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 with him possibly on the calls over the years.
It will be the biggest rivalry in the new Pac-12 Conference. 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 the schedule is Long Beach State in the Kennel on November 20 at 6 PM PT on ESPN+.
Arden Cravalho is a Gonzaga University graduate from the Bay Area...
Follow him on Twitter @a_cravalho.
