Gonzaga turns close game into 41-point rout of New Mexico State with dominant second half

Mark Few and the Gonzaga Bulldogs put on a clinic offensively Saturday afternoon in Spokane, rolling to a 109-68 win over the New Mexico State Aggies to move to 2-0 on the year.

Gonzaga was led by a trio of 20 point scorers in Davis Fogle (22 points), Isiah Harwell (22), and Braden Huff (20) who combined to shoot a smoldering 25-36 (69.4%) from the field and 7-13 from three.

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A sloppy first half defensively sent the Zags into the halftime locker room nursing a five point lead – which was nearly cut to two when a half-court attempt fell for New Mexico State, but was waived off upon review.

Below is a look at three key takeaways from Gonzaga’s 41 point win in Saturday’s home opener:

Gonzaga was red hot from beyond the arc

Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Isiah Harwell. | MYK CRAWFORD

Gonzaga’s outside shooting has been a major talking point after last season’s three point debacle, and Saturday’s performance showed how critical hitting from deep can be for the Zags.

Gonzaga struggled defensively and on the boards, but kept a steady lead all game long thanks to strong perimeter scoring – ultimately finishing 13-24 (54.2%) from deep. Davis Fogle (3-6), Isiah Harwell (4-6), and Javon Bennett (2-3), knocked down big shots throughout the afternoon, and that floor spacing opened up pick and roll opportunities for Huff and Diop down low, particularly in the second half.

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The Zags certainly look like a stronger three point shooting team than last year, and once Chauncey Wiggins is eligible – which could happen soon, now that he’s taken his fight to Spokane County – this team will be even better from the perimeter.

Mark Few keeping rotation tight

Gonzaga men’s basketball assistant coach Stephen Gentry (left) and head coach Mark Few (right). | Photo by Erik Smith

Without Izan Almansa, who sat with a leg injury, and against an opponent Gonzaga was heavily favored to beat, it seemed like Saturday would be a good opportunity for coach Few to empty out the bench and let some of the…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/gonzaga-turns-close-game-41-001814700.html

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Publish date : 2026-11-08 00:18:00

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