On December 18, 2024, the Gonzaga Bulldogs showcased their strength as they defeated the Nicholls State Colonels 85-56 at the McCarthey Athletic Center in Spokane, Washington. The game highlighted Gonzaga’s formidable roster and strategic play under head coach Mark Few. The Bulldogs had a strong start, with standout performances from junior forward Drew Timme, who led the game with an impressive 23 points, and freshman standout Chet Holmgren, contributing significantly with 18 points and 10 rebounds.
Mark Few, commenting on his team’s performance, noted, ‘I thought we came out with great energy and focused on the things we needed to do defensively. The players executed our game plan extremely well.’ The Bulldogs’ defense was instrumental, holding the Colonels to 36% shooting from the field over the course of the game.
Gonzaga’s offense was multifaceted, with sophomore guard Julian Strawther adding 15 points, while senior leader Andrew Nembhard orchestrated the flow with 8 assists. The team out-rebounded Nicholls 41-29, demonstrating control both offensively and defensively.
Nicholls State struggled to find rhythm, with their star player, Ty Gordon, being shadowed effectively by Gonzaga’s defense, resulting in just 12 points. The Colonels’ head coach, Austin Claunch, remarked, ‘They are a very complete team, and we had difficulty responding to their defensive pressure.’ Ultimately, Gonzaga improved their season record to 11-1, while Nicholls fell to 6-5.
With this victory, Gonzaga continues to assert itself as a top contender in collegiate basketball, as they prepare for their upcoming match against the Portland Pilots, aiming to extend their winning streak.
