Gonzaga sweeps by Campbell 74 to 52

 

Yesterday’s game was designed to be a walk in the park; a tune-up game inserted into the schedule to keep the team focused heading into Christmas break and to further iron out any issues that had popped up during the past few weeks (notably: defensive pressure and free throws).

Campbell was 3-7 coming into yesterday’s game.  Their best win was against Appalachian State on November 16, and to top it off they were without their leading scorer, Darren White who averages 21.9 ppg and has missed four straight games due to a hand injury.  Everyone knew that Campbell couldn’t compete with Gonzaga’s talent, depth, or size, but with that knowledge always comes uneasiness – will the Zags look past this team and put forth a sub-par effort?  That was not the case last night as Gonzaga won 74 to 52.

The second the game started, it became clear that Gonzaga was committed to putting in a strong defensive effort.  The very first possession of the game resulted in a shot clock violation for Campbell.  Gonzaga pressed on numerous positions, double- teamed often, and the effort paid off as they held Campbell to 32.7% field goals and forced 14 turnovers.

"We were pitiful in defensive transition early and their press, I was not expecting to be pressed," Campbell coach Robbie Laing said. "Their press was way more effective than I thought it would be. (That) allowed them to separate early and coast the rest of the way."

The other noticeable improvement of the game came from the Charity Stripe.  Gonzaga has been very inconsistent this season shooting free throws.  Prior to last night, Gonzaga ranked 298^th in free throws – unbelievable when you consider that the Bulldogs are one of the top field goal percentage teams in the nation.  Several games the Zags have shot under 65% from the line, but the last two games we have shown marked improvement:  84% (21-25) vs. Campbell and 85% (17 – 20) vs. Kansas State.  Free Throws can mean the difference in a close game, and elite teams shouldn’t give up easy points. 

Individual Performances of Note:

Elias Harris was sensational last night.  He proved that he is not a one-dimensional player, but can really be effective in every facet of the game.  In 20 minutes of play, Harris scored 11 points: shooting 100% from the field, and hitting 3 of 4 free throws.  He also had 4 rebounds and 1 steal, but my favorite stat of the night was his 6 assists!  He was very unselfish and distributed well to the bigs, especially to Karnowski in a few dominating plays.

Kelly Olynyk did not have the dominating 20 point night that we all hope he has every night, but he put in a very respectable 12 points and 9 rebounds in 20 minutes.  It should be noted that he only made 1 of 3 field goals, but was 10-10 from the Free Throw line.  He also had two blocks.

Karnowski and Harris were in sync last night.  They were connecting with eachother all night and this resulted in PK’s 14 points.  He was 6 for 9 from the floor, and improved from the charity stripe connecting on both attempts.  The highlight of the night for him though, probably came in his one assist.  Running down the floor, Harris lobbed it to him at half court.  He almost lost it, but converted it into an amazing pass right at the basket for an easy Layup by Gary Bell Jr.

Gary Bell Jr. had another solid night with 11 points, 7 rebounds and just 1 turnover.  He shot 44% from the field, but only made 1 of 3 from beyond the arc. 

Mike Hart continued to be a playmaker, though his stat line, per usual is deceiving.  In 15 minutes of play, he was all zeros in the stats, except for two steals. 

The disappointments for the night would be the continued poor shooting by Kevin Pangos, who was 2 for 6 from the field, and 1 for 3 from beyond the arc.  Once again his shot selection was spot on, but the shots just continued to rim out.  However; he continued to contribute in other areas with 5 steals, 3 assists, and 4 rebounds.  You just have to feel for the guy and hope his shots start falling soon. 

I have no words for Sam Dower.  I know he was limited due to illness the past few games, but he continues to be a non-factor.  In 19 minutes, he shot 25% fg, made 4 of 6 free throws, had 3 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 block, but never seemed to get going.  He hasn’t really clicked with the team like many thought he would this year.

Overall:

This was a solid game against a very heavily outmatched opponent.  Our first half was stellar, the defense was strong and committed and our offense was great.  The second half was a little slower. We had a long drought between scores and at times were sloppy.  We went from shooting 61% in the first half to 49% overall.  GU had 7 turnovers, were outscored in the second half and allowed Campbell to catch up to us in rebounds.  We have to start playing all 40 minutes or we won’t be able to maintain the lead against tougher competition.

Additionally, if our guards don’t start hitting some more consistent 3’s (above 25%), the opposing teams will start packing the paint so tight we won’t be able to get the ball to our bigs for an inside game.

Next up is a much tougher opponent in Baylor on December 28.