Gonzaga Lights Up New Mexico State, Wins Home Opener 109-68
Playing with increased physicality in the second half, Gonzaga turned a close game at halftime into a blowout win over New Mexico State. How did the Zags create a lopsided affair in their home opener?
New Mexico State guard Jermaine Washington knocked down a 3-pointer with 11:23 left in the second half to trim his team’s deficit back to 11. That was the last field goal the No. 15 Gonzaga Bulldogs (2-0) allowed, as the Zags pounded the Aggies (1-1) 109-68 to win their 38th consecutive home opener.
“We flipped a switch,” said head coach Mark Few.
GU put the ball in the net with ease from the jump, but NMSU matched it with impressive shot-making of their own and won the battle on the glass, finding themselves only down by five at halftime. The Bulldogs picked up their defensive intensity in the second half, however, outscoring the Aggies 62-26 in the final 20 minutes while forcing 12 turnovers. Also sustaining their high-powered offense, the Bulldogs snowballed things into an avalanche.
In fact, the Aggies averaged a turnover per minute from then on, mustering just eight points — all on free throws — and nine missed field goals in that stretch.
“It was totally the defense, totally just the effort and more dictating things,” Few said.
Offensively, the Zags shot north of 60% in each half and finished 13-of-24 (54.1%) from downtown. But their defense wasn’t up to standard to begin, requiring a halftime wake-up call to bring more physicality.
