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# Gonzaga Trounces Lewis-Clark State 91-59 in Final Preseason Tune-Up
- URL: https://www.emeraldcityspectrum.com/gonzaga-bulldogs-trounces-lewis-clark-state-91-59/
- Published: 2026-10-29T17:06:52.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-29T17:06:52.000Z
- Description: With so many new faces on Gonzaga's roster, it could take time for each of them to acclimate to their roles, let alone as a collective. How did the Zags take a step forward in that regard during their commanding exhibition win over Lewis-Clark State?
- Author: Howard Woodard
- Tags: Analysis, Gonzaga, Izan Almansa, Braden Huff, Parker Jefferson, Isiah Harwell

Davis Fogle’s return to the rotation helped the No. 15 Gonzaga Bulldogs showcase their ideal roles and better execute against NAIA opponent Lewis-Clark State. The Zags dismantled the Warriors 101-53 in their second and final exhibition game, firing on almost all cylinders in front of fans at the McCarthey Athletic Center.

On Saturday, No. 12 Arkansas’ long, athletic perimeter defenders hounded GU. It was an ugly shooting night, where several of the team’s newcomers didn’t make the best first impressions. But many of the Bulldogs made positive impacts on Wednesday night, looking confident in their final showing before the regular-season opener on Monday versus Purdue.

Five Zags finished with double-digit scoring, while nine logged at least six points. Fogle and the other returner to the rotation, Braden Huff, scored nine and 11 points, respectively. They also got after it defensively, forcing LCSC into taking tough shots, with LCSC shooting only 30% overall and 26% from beyond the arc. The Warriors also didn’t score any transition points. 

Albeit against a non-NCAA foe, Gonzaga looked the part of an impressive, multi-faceted contender.

## **Three Fresh Faces Continue To Impress**

Continuing to play like an amazing acquisition after officially becoming eligible last Friday, Izan Almansa tied for the team lead with 12 points on 4-of-5 shooting, knocking down both of his 3-point tries. The 6-10 forward made his presence felt throughout, seeming like the perfect connecting piece for this Zags group.

“We were all really excited when \[Almansa\] got eligible because we know what he can bring for this team,” said Huff.

Almansa’s chemistry with his teammates already looks great, whether that be with his fellow frontcourt players or the guards in ball screens. Particularly with Huff and Parker Jefferson, Almansa created offense on several possessions, as his varied skill set makes him a complementary piece for whoever else is on the floor.

“He’s just got a very, very good feel for the game. So when you have that, everybody plays better with you,” head coach Mark Few said. “He knows when to pass, he understands spacing, he knows how to find his own shot, and he’s just a really skilled basketball player.”

Considering his experience playing professionally, Almansa appearing comfortable at the college level shouldn’t be overly shocking. But with some uncertainty elsewhere on the roster, it’s even more noticeable and appreciated.

Isiah Harwell is a similar case. After a healthy offseason, Harwell’s movement on the court is akin to when he was a consensus top-20 prospect and five-star recruit coming out of high school last year. The 6-6 guard also shot 4-of-5 from the field, posting nine points, four rebounds, and three assists in the win, driving quickly and fearlessly to the cup with the ball in his hands.

Transferring in from Houston after an unnoteworthy freshman campaign, Harwell was somewhat of a wild card entering the season. Right now, he is playing like the ideal combo guard that pushes the pace, defends on the perimeter, and hits the timely shot.

And despite not having primary ball-handling duties against the Razorbacks, Xaivian Lee started at point guard on Wednesday with Fogle back in the fold. He knocked down the Bulldogs’ first 3-point attempt, a notable improvement after they missed their first 11 shots from deep in the first exhibition. Overall, Lee had six points and five assists, leading fast breaks with his speed and bringing noticeable energy and effort.

## **Other Newcomers Leave Better Aftertastes**

Finishing 1-for-8 from the field and 0-of-4 on 3-pointers against Arkansas, fifth-year guard Javon Bennett used his personal motto of ‘next play mentality’ to log much better minutes. As the bridge between the starters and the end of the bench, he scored 11 points in 21 minutes. Bennett made three of his seven 3-point attempts, as he and Almansa led GU’s 9-of-27 shooting day from distance, a tangible upgrade over their 21% mark four days ago. Ideally, the 5-11 Bennett can provide floor spacing off the bench, flying off pindowns and in other catch-and-shoot situations.

“I thought \[Bennett\] was really, really good tonight,” Few said. “Because he had a tough one the other night…and didn’t pout and came back and I was very impressed with him.”

7-1 center Massamba Diop ran into early foul trouble again, but managed to flush it and put together a productive second half. Eight of Diop’s 10 points were scored after halftime, getting out in transition quickly a couple of times after the Zags closed a defensive possession. Diop has work to do rebounding on both ends and finishing in the half-court, but his best attributes are running the floor and protecting the rim.

After taking 17 shots on Saturday, Nathan De Sousa had a much quieter night, scoring only one point with three assists and a rebound in 15 minutes against Lewis-Clark. The French point guard will need time to adjust to college basketball following seven years overseas, but his decision-making and confident command will be much needed over the course of the season.

## **Two Underclassmen Compete For More Playing Time**

Building on his solid work in limited action back in Arkansas, where his parents each played collegiately and where he attended games as a child, Jefferson was all over the place in the second half for Gonzaga. The 6-9 sophomore logged 12 points, six rebounds, two assists, two blocks, and a steal. He ran the floor exceptionally well, looking comfortable in his second season as he vies for minutes in the Zags’ talented frontcourt.

“\[I\] just told \[Jefferson\] to stay ready, regardless of what his role is, night in, night out,” Huff said. “Just be ready for that opportunity.”

19-year-old Frenchman Juwan Ekanga’s path to more playing time is even more crowded, but he also gave productive minutes in garbage time. He stuffed the stat sheet with seven points, four rebounds, three assists, and one steal and block apiece, flashing his athleticism and ability to impact the game, even as a freshman.

## **An Update on Chauncey Wiggins’ Eligiblity**

The only Zag currently ineligible, Chauncey Wiggins is withdrawing from a Georgia lawsuit, whose next hearing was delayed until Jan. 12\. He and other plaintiffs are pivoting to a Texas case, which is giving players in the suit a temporary injunction through Dec. 14\. A hearing for Wiggins and others seeking to be included in this lawsuit is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 29, at 9:30 AM PT.

If Wiggins’ appeal is approved, Gonzaga would have the entirety of its roster eligible for the first time, officially adding its best 3-pointer to the mix before its big-time matchup against the Boilermakers on Monday.