The Gonzaga Bulldogs were finally able to breathe a content sigh of relief at the final whistle. After a crushing defeat to UCLA and a nail-biting finish against Pepperdine, the Zags returned to Spokane needing confidence. Thursday’s contest was not a strenuous affair, as the Zags demolished the Portland Pilots by a score of 81-50.
Returning Home Was a Bounce-Back Game for Every Gonzaga Player
Fueled by a raucous home crowd, the entire team seemed more confident and comfortable back at home. In what has been an up-and-down early season for many players individually, everyone was able to contribute in key areas throughout the game. Gonzaga’s usually strong bench was back to their old ways after being absent in recent outings, tallying 32 combined points. Both Dusty Stromer and Braden Huff came off the bench and ended in double-figures. Stromer was particularly good, scoring 12 on an efficient 5/9. Stromer displayed notably better body language and confidence. It felt like he had his swagger back.
DUSTY. STROMER. pic.twitter.com/MTVqzkhdwc
— Gonzaga Basketball (@ZagMBB) January 3, 2025
Of course, just like confidence, shot-making is also contagious. After a few early makes from deep by Nolan Hickman and Khalif Battle, the entire team began seeing shots go down from outside. Seven different Zags connected from deep, including Graham Ike. Although it was not Ike’s most efficient day scoring, he still provided good energy on the boards and added 2 assists and 2 steals. Ike is a rare player that, even though he is heavily relied on for scoring, still impacts the game when struggling from the field.
THREE FOR IKE ‼️ pic.twitter.com/JjIyg3fVYH
— Gonzaga Basketball (@ZagMBB) January 3, 2025
Michael Ajayi has been largely invisible in the last two games, but in spite of a 1-7 performance from the field, the senior from Kent, Washington was absolutely everywhere. Ajayi being demoted to coming off the bench was not really a shocking decision from head coach Mark Few given his recent play, but Ajayi came out with a point to prove against Portland and showed a determination to do the little things. Recording 15 rebounds, 5 of them being offensive, Ajayi had an excellent performance that could be the catalyst to also recovering his scoring abilities. After Few listed turnovers as a reason that was preventing him from playing more, Ajayi had exactly zero turnovers on Thursday.
What Does Gonzaga Need to Continue to Do Moving Forward?
Gonzaga showed signs of progress in two key areas against Portland. Firstly, the entire team seemed more willing to make the extra pass or turn down contested jump shots in favor of driving the ball. Hickman spoke about such in the postgame presser and commented on how the entire team made an effort to do so.
I think the whole team did a great job of balancing [the shot selection] tonight, that’s the one thing we’ve been preaching in practice.
Unlike games past, there were not multiple long stretches where Gonzaga did not touch the paint, whether it was looking for Ike, Huff, or Ben Gregg, who made his first start on the evening in place of Ajayi, or guards and other perimeter players driving the ball into the lane. Stromer told reporters after the game that he felt he did a better job at taking what the defense was giving him, allowing his opportunities to score to come to him instead of forcing shots or making rushed decisions.
The other thing the Zags did much better at was perimeter defense. Few had positive things to say about the way they pressed Portland’s guards and defended their perimeter actions that Few felt were “unique.” After letting Pepperdine guards Jaxon Olvera and Moe Odum dictate the play for large stretches in the second half of the previous game, Portland’s guards found themselves with much less space throughout the game.
all in a day’s work for Ajayi 💼 pic.twitter.com/pmsAID6d5H
— Gonzaga Basketball (@ZagMBB) January 3, 2025
Lastly, Few was pleased by his team limiting themselves to 7 turnovers after averaging 15 giveaways in their last two contests. As Few hinted at regarding Ajayi, players that can limit these detrimental plays are the ones that are going to be given minutes. Overall, the win was a strong way for Gonzaga to begin their response to recent adversity and start climbing back to where they want to be. This weekend, the Zags return to California to face Loyola Marymount.
For More Great Basketball Content
Follow @HardwoodHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in the NBA and college basketball, click here!
