Gonzaga defeats LMU 82-47
Gonzaga Dominates LMU in 35-Point Blowout
The McCarthey Athletic Center was no match for the Gonzaga Bulldogs on Tuesday night, as they cruised to an 82-47 victory over visiting Loyola Marymount (LMU). The dominant performance marked a statement win for the Zags, who looked like one of the top teams in the West Coast Conference.
The home team took control from the opening tip-off, racing out to a 33-19 halftime lead. Gonzaga's offense was clicking on all cylinders, with Braden Huff leading the way with nine rebounds and eight points. Mario Saint-Supry chipped in with five assists and 13 points, while Graham Ike added 16 points, including four three-pointers.
LMU struggled to find its footing, shooting just 30% from the field and 26% from beyond the arc. Rodney Brown Jr. led the Lions in scoring with 11 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Gonzaga defense. Rokas Jocius added seven rebounds for LMU, but even he couldn't stem the tide.
Gonzaga's performance was a testament to their depth and versatility. The team shot 54% from the field, including 63.8% on two-pointers, while also making 6-of-20 three-point attempts. The Bulldogs' fast break attack proved particularly effective, scoring 15 points in transition.
In contrast, LMU's offense was stagnant, with only one player (Brown Jr.) reaching double figures in scoring. The Lions committed 13 turnovers, which Gonzaga converted into easy baskets.
The final margin of 35 points was a testament to Gonzaga's dominance. While the Bulldogs never really looked threatened, they did take an early lead and never let it slip away. By halftime, Gonzaga had built a 42-19 cushion, and by the end of the game, they had stretched that lead to 35 points.
Gonzaga's win marked a significant statement in the West Coast Conference. With the loss, LMU drops to 0-5 in conference play, while Gonzaga improves to 4-2. The Bulldogs' victory over one of their toughest opponents to date cements their status as one of the top teams in the league.
As for Gonzaga's next challenge, the Zags will face off against another ranked team on Friday night. With this dominant performance under their belt, they'll look to build momentum heading into conference play.
Gonzaga's win was a testament to their depth and talent. With players like Huff, Saint-Supry, and Ike leading the way, the Bulldogs are poised for a strong season in the West Coast Conference.
Game Stats:
* Gonzaga (HOME): 82 points on 36/67 field goals
* LMU (AWAY): 47 points on 19/63 field goals
* Advanced Statistics:
* eFG%: Gonzaga (58.2%), LMU (34.9%)
* True Shooting%: Gonzaga (57.4%), LMU (35.6%)
The final whistle blew, and the McCarthey Athletic Center was left with a stark reminder of Gonzaga's dominance. The Bulldogs had done it again, outclassing their opponents in a convincing fashion.