Gonzaga vs Southern Utah: Zags Eye Perfection

Gonzaga vs Southern Utah: Bulldogs Aim to Maintain Unbeaten Streak

The No. 13 Gonzaga Bulldogs (4-0) return to the friendly confines of the McCarthey Athletic Center on Monday, November 17th, hosting the Southern Utah Thunderbirds (1-3) in a non-conference matchup. After a dominant road victory at Arizona State, Mark Few's squad looks to extend their perfect start to the season before a daunting matchup with Top 25 foe Alabama next week.

Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 PM PT and will be broadcast locally on KHQ and streamed on ESPN+. Gonzaga enters as a commanding 35.5-point favorite, with the over/under set at 159.5 points.

Bulldogs' Dominant Start Fueled by Balanced Attack

Gonzaga's 77-65 win over Arizona State showcased their trademark balance and defensive prowess. Graham Ike continued his stellar campaign, scoring 20 points and grabbing nine rebounds to earn West Coast Conference Player of the Week honors. Tyon Grant-Foster added a 14-point, 12-rebound double-double, while Braeden Smith controlled the floor with nine assists against just one turnover.

The Bulldogs boast five players averaging double-figure points: Ike (18 PPG, 10 RPG), Braden Huff (13 PPG), Grant-Foster (12 PPG), and Adam Miller (10.5 PPG). As a team, they're averaging 87 points per game while shooting 49.1% from the field and stifling opponents to 34.4% shooting efficiency.

Southern Utah's Challenge Against Elite Defense

Southern Utah arrives in Spokane off a 90-85 road loss to Omaha, dropping their third game of the season. The Thunderbirds' lone victory came against non-DI opponent Bethesda University. Led by Jaiden Feroah (14 PPG, 7.8 RPG), Elijah Duval (13.5 PPG), and Zack Bell (10.5 PPG), SUU averages 84.8 points per game but ranks 303rd nationally in KenPom efficiency.

The Thunderbirds face an uphill battle against Gonzaga's elite defense, which ranks fourth nationally in defensive efficiency. Southern Utah's struggles continue on the defensive end, ranking 315th in the country in that same metric.

Series History and Strategic Implications

Gonzaga holds a 2-1 edge in the all-time series, with the last meeting resulting in a 38-point Zags victory (103-65) during the 2012-13 season opener. While the outcome seems apparent, this game carries strategic importance for Gonzaga.

With a week off before facing No. 8 Alabama in Las Vegas, Few has an opportunity to refine his team's three-point shooting, which currently stands at a modest 30.4%. Southern Utah has allowed opponents to shoot 50% from beyond the arc this season, presenting an ideal chance for shooters like Steele Venters and Tyon Grant-Foster to find their rhythm.

Additionally, this contest could provide valuable court time for younger players like sophomore Ismaila Diagne and freshman wing Davis Fogle as the Bulldogs prepare for their toughest challenge of the non-conference slate.

Betting Trends and Key Matchup

Gonzaga has covered the spread in three of four games this season (3-1 ATS), while Southern Utah has been a resilient underdog (2-1 ATS). The Zags have consistently played defensive games, with all four contests finishing under the total.

The key matchup will be Gonzaga's frontcourt prowess against Southern Utah's smaller lineup. Ike's dominance in the paint could prove insurmountable for the Thunderbirds, who lack the size to counteract Gonzaga's rebounding advantage (32.25 defensive rebounds per game).

As the Bulldogs look to maintain their perfect record and sharpen their game for the upcoming Players Era Championship, expect another dominant performance at home. Tune in at 6:00 PM PT to watch Gonzaga continue their quest for perfection.