Gonzaga vs AR-Pine Bluff | 2023.12.5 | NCAAB Game

steel ventur went out with a season ending knee injury they had seven guys playing in the rotation they've got to expand that and one and done got to clear the board after the Miss control the glass we're underway at the McCarthy athletic center the seventh rank kaga Bulldog six and one on the season coming off a victory of yet another pack 12 F they'll play another one on Saturday in Seattle the University of Washington next this the final tuneup tonight this is a good tuneup this Arkansas Pine Bluff team wants to play fast as you mentioned top 20 in the country in Pace average more points per game than Gonzaga now on the flip side though defensively Gonzaga should be able to get whatever they want first shot is off from Williams nard into the corner here's Nolan Hickman Anton Watson what a game he played against USC so solid Hickman Falling Away off the glass beautiful buck great looking jump shot there from Hit Queen and he's been solid all year shooting percentages starting to creep up with double digits in all seven games coming into tonight Nolan one of those guys that the development in this program is obvious shot for three is off by kylin Milton Graham EK with the [Music] rebound pck step back three big will you get hung up or go underneath the ball screen as a guard you must read that Hickman recognizes it early knocks down the straightaway three that's an automatic read isn't it 100% especially if you're a guard that has freedom to shoot it that three off from lenel Martin Jr senior from Clint Michigan we get another look at defense goes under the ball screen as mentioned that's an automatic the only difference is if you're not a good shooter the big would turn around and set a res screen so now it would be even lower and that ball handler might get a 16 17t jumper as opposed to a three Dan dickov breaking it down nard BL grah the catch it finish Graham is so good at setting those screens so often you see bigs vacate or abandon the screen before the defender makes contact he really stays in place opens up that roll to the rim and the three from the corner is off by Williams he's old for two to begin them EK again with position Anton high low great catch EK yo Corner three in and out good pass from Ek though reads the double coming on the Baseline side June may be a little nervous his first career start but interesting decision strer played so well against USC but it's a good chance to gain some experience for June and I would expect kovic as well at some point tonight foul called inside against gonzago I believe it's on Graham eek and that's his first team's first and going to the free throw line number 23 lenel Martin this is another thing he's not one of the better actually he is a really good free throw shooter hasn't missed one yet this year oh you to try tonight aren't you I was trying you're going to try so hard yes I was trying he's not 27 for 27 good try good try interesting in this day and age of the transfer portal Martin Jr was at Montana earlier in his career and he remains perfect on the season zaga leading at 72 Hickman with five Ram EK with two here's Hickman again hunting a shot bounce spacing there because the defense was was not involved there were nobody nobody within 10 feet of gramy King yeah because you have great spacing and defensively Pine BL probably on that possession not as disciplined seeing man and ball and being in the right position so it opens up such a wide Lane for on that screen SE ball stop and a whistle and a foul before the [Applause] shot so we've seen a lob the Graham the bounce the Graham a couple of dunks we talked prior to the game which team would have the most dunks I think I picked Gonzaga you guys pick Arkansas Pine I I think you're just making something up oh wow back the way story wow exactly right okay off the glass nice kiss Graham off to a fast start with six points part part of our preparation is is reading talking to coaches watching other games and against Oklahoma Pine Bluff had a number of highflying dunks so I was going off past experiences of watching them play well In fairness I said the Lions would as well Corner three lots of what a rebound that was it was Anton Graham EK running the floor and two more for Graham great catch the ability to keep it high playr contact chance of a three-point play I mean you can't say enough about Anton Watson and how he's played this year that time gets a rebound from out of his area pushes it in transition and then the throw ahead that was something that they wanted to see today is those throw aads in transition really put a lot of pressure on the defense Watson's start the start of his last season here could not be going any better 15 a game eight rebounds shooting career high 46 for three excellent around the rim and you just see this year I just freed up a little bit with Drew not being here more being asked of him he's been able to step in and deliver and this is a problem for any team Anton at the top he's got such great instincts in that 3/4 court press there's Martin working on Anton Watson Watson stays right there Martin got the shot to the rim somehow HEK cleared it Gonzaga back in transition they've been lethal to this point EK lost the grip on the way up it's off the Lions it'll be Gonzaga basketball when we come back but how about these dunks by Graham EK Nolan Hickman F he's he's six from 700 so you just gave everyone the answer well they I guess they need to know the math if they're paying attention they should know sure the Arby's franchise is excited that we're just giv what's your Arby's order when I go to Arby's [Applause] yeah terrific exec Baseline out of bounds EK another easy one don't distract me with food man rean we a junior from herland Texas on the floor and the over there is number 14 Kane moli couldn't handle it so a tough start for the Lions they're 0 for seven and now two turnovers a tough start as well as Ken miltton their leading score over 20 a game looked like he sprained his ankle before that last timeout he's not on the bench here if he's getting back looked at back in the locker room Zack Reinhardt a sophomore from Orlando Florida also on the floor for the Lions a little better rotation defensively around their Zone than we've seen well they play a unique Zone a three2 so Corners are going to be open Stromer picked up where he left off against the Trojans Corner three out Clair buyant [Applause] there you like that kid don't you Dan he's going to be a good player you know every player has an adjustment period sometimes you're shooting uh takes a little bit of time at the next level but he's done a lot of the little things that freshman don't always pick up on early Hickman brayen what a rebound up top and a chance for three Hees would not stop trying to tip the ball to himself noan Hickman been aggressive to start Braden keeping it [Music] High and the big man with his first bucket it was great to see Huff in his production against USC when he had 12 points cuz I I thought in Maui against Purdue Syracuse and uccl it was the first time he really had a chance to go against a lot of size a lot of athleticism in length he was inconsistent but I thought he played really well against USC in their front Court who's got tremendous length Rashad Williams working on Stromer Dusty gets called for the reach I think for me anyways that's what's been so surprising about Dusty Stromer and you talk about his Evolution and maybe it only took him six games to find his rhythm shooting right but he's a lot better defensively than you don't judge the book by the cover as what I'm saying I I thought he guarded at a really high level against USC but call you're just physically you know more developed stronger but Stromer did a great job keeping him in front and forcing him into into some difficult shots good defense there by Stromer and bra wats in the Run Out Boy when your bigs run the floor like that braen hump with four this is a game where it's going to be up and down bigs if you keep running the floor you're going to have a chance to get a number of putbacks cuz Pine Bluff not great in defensive train transition or on the glass of I'm going to ask Brock solsman with 1345 to play in the first half what is the largest offensive output in the history of a Gonzaga basketball game that number coming your way here soon we got a chance tonight McLoud in the open floor he missed neard tipped it to himself off the glass the Lions now 0 for 10 and zag 11 of 14 and another three downtown Nolan Hickman he's got eight wow what a start he's start Richard touched on it his consistency so far every game in double figures looks like that will be the case again tonight Joe French has his shot block got it back Watson poked it away French with it seven on the shot Club to the Baseline French little shot won't go offensive rebound foul called on Braden Huff ishmail PL the Junior from Amsterdam will go to the free throw line well just a nice delivery there tough finish up for Watson and instant offense raen enough cleans it up I love Ryan like you know he's just one of those guys like everybody likes to watch baseball because of the home runs but if you ever saw Aussie Smith play short stop for the St Louis Cardinals he's like Aussie Smith to me on the floor because he doesn't hit the hobon he's not hit the threes from 35 ft but these passes that he dials in no look scoop passes behind his back no look it's spectacular to watch I love it that's an amazing reference I would love to see Nar come out in pregame intros the next time and do that flip that Aussie Smith would always do run into or out of the dugout [Applause] 1989 the saag scored 136 against Leola merma you guys remember those teams Paul West head Bo Kimble Han gathers yeah Jeff rer they were the Lions too ohy look at that press it with the right hand there for the Lefty Bron Huff now with six Hickman picks up the loose ball turnover number three against against the Lions Stromer transition three rimmed out well the shot looks good though [Applause] transition Luther kovic will be checking in for Gonzaga next whistle off run of the FL zagas bigs do such a great job of running rim to rim and Gonzaga you see it tonight just as good as good as anybody transitioning from the def glass into the fast break right now the Lions aren't sure what hit him back on the floor number one Williams a deep three over Hickman wow and that one's true and they needed that deep with a hand in the face foul called there on Tron wear the bump of nard that's 14 fouls on the Lions 32-7 the sags have they better have a Deep Run 32-7 they're one of 15 to start Gonzaga blistering 14 of 18 14 rebounds to five but when you look at gonzaga's attack so far they've done it in transition they've done it in pick and rolls they've done it executing Baseline out of bounds Ben Greg the cut to the rim as the ball stripped as he was hopping and waiting to hammer it I like Ben gray having a great he was spectacular in that second half he was great against USC unfortunately for him against Bakersfield it was a little under the weather but he competed his butt off that day even though he wasn't great the thing I love about Ben Greg is that he's transparent and he owns it he doesn't play well he'll tell you and it motivates him like he said the other day that that I stunk it up in the first half and he went out and played in the second half like a man on a mission look look everybody's got an ego Greg's been here now this is his third or fourth year um he wants to start he wants to have a bigger role but I just give him a lot of credit he just leans into what they're asking him to do had to release that quickly as a shot clock was expiring as Milton grabs the ball in the run out easy [Applause] to EK wanting the ball Luca kovic and a foul called on Rashad Williams pretty good collision between those two kovich may have taken it in the forehead Luc is tough though he's from Croatia bang that hurts yeah they buted heads like Thea and I do once in a while that's due to your commentary but yeah I know what you're talking about John and I are like over under 90 seconds before they start arguing it's always under there we go well that one broadcast he said it was downtown Spokan and it was somewhere else oh go what do know the elements that are put together in the broadcast johy Jones are terrific team I'm not even sure what that meant foul on McLoud here's Ben Greg Z back after it again oh oh it fell out again but he earned what three offensive rebounds that'll look good tomorrow Martin fre his way off Stromer the rebound tell you whatas by BL not afraid to shoot the ball here's kovic left hand off the glass nice finish with his back to the basket I'd like that I'd like to see kovic get extended minutes tonight I think he's got a chance to help this team they need either he or June to really kind of step into that eighth man roll he's big 65 that frame is going to fill out back door cut gy mlau [Applause] finish here's Stromer eek the catch cutting trovich knows how to play Oh EK again he recognizes the double whether it's coming from the top or the Baseline recognizes that and then simply finds the open cutting kovic FL hand off Martin into the corner back to the post hit the rim with the pass Ben Greg runs it down got it up court and it goes to the lines that's uh turnover number two on gu Ben Greg out Anton Watson [Applause] in 906 to play this first half we just had head coach Solomon Boseman on the screen there I had a chance to talk to him before the game you know they are playing a very difficult non-conference schedule does after this they go home for 24 hours then they head to Yukon so Gonzaga Yukon a common opponent for Pine Bluff in a short stretch amount of time Watson o that was halfway down EK the rebound them hard for three that one's a little long and the rebound to [Music] Williams the three miss it offensive rebound for Milton French's three is long Anton with another rebound they average 28 three-point field goal attempts so they are not shy Beyond The Arc Stromer missing from the corner he's one to two still another great read there from Ek just making simple plays with the [Music] [Applause] ball Milton short gram eek the rebound is [Applause] fifth [Applause] [Music] [Applause] strer Anton di it up the three ball wow because EK got the dunk and the others layup off of that pick and roll it opens up a wide open Anton Watson there lift three off that pick and roll action thei over e they're now three of 12 from downtown 3917 Anton Watson down the lane and he'll shoot free throws and that gets us to a commercial break 718 to play in this opening half number seven Gonzaga 39 Arkansas Pine BL the eight should be in the Hall of Fame making the case tremendous player what's what's a how did I know you're going to tie everything back to the Pittsburgh Steelers cig that's where greatness begins and ends oh my God where's the place you haven't fished yet you want to go I mean serious there's some there's some spots down to the tip of Africa okay yeah there's two tips there's north south southern tip Southern okay southern tip you want to go Richard you're an Ang man I can carry a camera and a and a bag or something oh you're just carry Stromer took it away o and he is knocked to the floor hard and will shoot free throws as I hear somebody from the crowd saying hey don't hurt him I love the passing of the Kennel Club well Arkansas Pine Bluff guys heating up a bit they started 0 for 14 they're now five of their last eight Gonzaga started 13 of 16 they're now four of their last 12 when you look at Pine Bluff they've got four capable scorers led by Milton who's one of the Premier scorers in the league it's only a matter of time before they get a couple to go they play with a lot of [Applause] freedom French from the corner that's short nice box out there by Braden [Applause] Huff brovich Anton Watson and high low catch and finish how easy is that well brayon Huff has such a high IQ for a young player he recognized the switch was in a front he held that front gave a target for the over the toop high low here comes the zags again nard lightning to the rim and curls it in good strength there on that finish from nehar took the contact still able to finish it off the off the glass just canag real quick converting from defense to offense zags up by 30 Martin kick out into the corner Williams for three Bingo Williams with six he is two of five from behind the arc had 20 in their last game against Oklahoma huff and the way we're going with Huff looking at 12 already career high 23 against EAS Oregon that could be in range today B shot the three is off bra Hub just one of those bigs where the ball just goes in the rim and grov okay so so Luca just got yanked okay LCA come on now buddan Hickman come on that's uh coach VI won't be happy about that well the problem with it is he had a shot on the initial catch if he's ready let it fly from about 22 yeah look you're trying you're trying you're get to an opportunity tonight to a extended run uh you're doing a solid job you know Hey listen I appreciate his courage to try that though that's one adjective to describe the decision Luca tags with three also on the floor right now paav Stosich The Freshman from Serbia number 14 69 215 he's under the bucket right now calling for the ball n Mar that shots off they have gotten a finger on it Stosich with a great pass under the bucket Strow with another rebound he's been so good this year nearly five a game Stromer does a good job on the offensive glass as well Dusty already with four assists [Applause] French good defense there Ben Greg and now Williams back comes [Applause] gonzago Lions now five of 17 from Deep Ryan [Applause] nard C shot Binger Ryan nard with seven it's the simple catch and shoot threes for nart Maui at times I thought he was searching a little bit pressing for his own jump shot Let The Game come to you you're a great facilitator good passer take the open ones how about Dusty Stromer now with the block Corner pass nar's three is off Ben Greg trying to tip it out can't get there but Stromer with a great block a jump shot and going for it again Dusty bumping chest foul called but at The Rim Dusty Stromer pretty pretty great oh you are okay I never left now I'm thinking about that hot dog Coca-Cola here's Milton at the free throw line of Junior from Conway Arkansas yeah Richard you ever get a chance the White River in Arkansas okay the real deal big brown trout like big I mean like the length of my leg big big [Applause] big 5424 zags up by 30 are you fly fishing for these oh yes what kind of Rod you're fishing meat big streamers what kind of Rod seven eight weights okay cast and Strip Buddy cast and strip in the boat yeah Milton now with four points 5425 people at home are like talking about fishing got to know I've got more questions Greg heer seasons on the Flies got his own fishing show nationally I've heard he's got I've heard he gives away Yeti Coolers I still don't have one Ben Greg and he Ben looks at his to the sky gives away coolers but he doesn't give away invitations for fishing trip that's D's had a standing ovation or a standing uh invitation Martin what a bounce great pass and ish PL will shoot free throws it's on Ben Greg that is number one on Ben that is five on gu ish junor from Amsterdam [Applause] Netherlands and that is Kane moli graduate player from Tampa checking back [Applause] [Music] [Applause] in they're chanting air ball it wasn't an air ball hit hit glass lamard EK EK wanted the foul I think being up 31 it's a play on from the official there yeah he was five of five prior to that got 11.7 rebounds for Graham e brought his lunch pal and he's going to work Nolan Hickman really got this team off to a fast start tonight eight points one rebound five assists is French from Deep that's what he does he can shoot it coach Boseman says he feels that French is one of the best Shooters in the country and a travel officials had to work together to get that one right well if you're Greg take the travel I think that might have been a charge turnover number four no no no yeah that's why you just don't move that quickly that things happen yeah he just rad Williams with the [Music] basketball French guys has made three of his last four from Deep for the Lions he's heating up Williams Ben Greg right there got a hand in his face and that's off of number 14 Kane moli Gonzaga basketball 217 to play first half the onslaught offensively is certainly cooled for Gonzaga I think the zone for Arkansas Pine Bluff has been relatively effective that it's taking away the inside can zag not as effective getting the ball to low block and settled from more jump shots nice move from Milton couldn't finish underneath good block from Greg but that was creative there's Jun and it goes to the Lions Nolan Hickman didn't agree but not much of an argument when you're up 5628 so seven games in brand new team a lot of new faces a lot of young guys are you guys surprised at the level of chemistry and continuity that we've seen already out of these guys I'm not and I think a lot of the reason why is the guys that they brought in are talented players but they also came from good programs and there was a part of them that wanted something more they wanted to be a part of a program like gona you look at Wyoming with graham eek he could have gone back probably been all conference he wanted a chance to play deep in the NCA tournament they fit the kind of culturing character that has success as players at gona I'm not I'm not surprised the chemistry is there cuz I just think you have High character guys to point and I think that's really astute all these guys have come from winning programs um but I have been surprised at how seamless the fit has been on the floor you know everybody SE you I think they they brought in the right pieces nar's clearly your lead guard there's really no ambiguity there but EK you know to do what he did a couple years ago and this year be part of kind of a platoon up front uh and to embrace that role is really impressive and obviously venters would have been a really interesting piece had he stayed healthy and then how how much more easy does it make it when one of those new players coming in is the level of point guard that Ryan Mard is and then we see the evolution of Nolan Hickman having two guys that can run the offense and handle the ball well I've always thought coach F's best teams have had two ball handler decision makers on the floor at most times not quite sure about that trail three from Ek but nart cleans it up but you know I think the fact is GRE knocks it down from Three N heart's a willing passer there are times he gets tunnel vision to score but he's a very good very willing pass and he and Hickman have paired together very very well yeah both neard had a 1.7 you below two uh a two assisted Turnal ratio last year was one of the best in the Big East I think that's going to come his jump shots starting to come Hickman last year 2.4 this year under two uh you know not as good with the ball those are areas where the staff and those players will will tighten it up they'll make better decisions less turnovers you know I'm going to keep I've been we've been talking about it throughout the start of this year this team still has a lot of growth ahead of it uh which if you're Gonzaga fans has to be really excited and we haven't talk defensively that's what I'm most excited about is their defense and their ability to rebound and that bodess well for the month of March EK he was fouled on that shot no whistle I don't think Milton got that off in time 593 score at the half so the Lions battled back some but Gonzaga up by 29 Points after the first I think would give me a [Music] stroke well the way gona was scoring in early in the game I mean there was flashing lights in a hurry that first six minutes or so maybe the best passing half I've ever seen in my life all joking aside those three guys right there are studs in the world of Television Jones Holberg and Butler three-headed moner been with this package for a long long time Martin first look from three is off your box out there from Pikman kind of make it up for that turnover and a foul called on number 45 ishmail PL and gona's got to be prepared for multiple looks defensively you're seeing full court now they trap that last pick and roll Pine Bluff will change their defenses on a number of occasions they played quite a bit of 32 Zone earlier in the game but maybe they change pick and roll coverages or pick up full court as they've [Applause] shown here's Watson gram eek the catch as it knocked away in the post off the glass soft touch such great touch if you can get over that that right shoulder to that left jump hook it's all but unguardable skip to the corner French hand in that first half uses all the rim to hit his forth I tell you what he could really shoot only 33% on the season coming in to tonight but four May threes [Music] now Watson catch back to my point why do you think I said nice pass so quickly well interesting though to see Strow back in the starting lineup here in the second half I like the look with Jan in the first half I mean he he can guard at a high level good defense there by Hickman mark3 long Nolan Hickman up for his second rebound should be pointed out that nard Stromer and Hickman have combined for just one turnover in this game zags up by [Applause] 30 nice pass long rebound Anton he's got hard Watson the [Applause] hammer Anon was seven three rebounds three assists he's so casual and that's the thing is oh that's my loose ball I'm going to go get it he slows down just enough and then finishes it with authority if anybody saw him play in high school that was a nightly occurrence getting in the passing Lane for Gonzaga Prep getting out in trans position and finishing time and time again he's one of the best dudes that's ever played in this program I mean think about how long he's been here and how many he's played with and how much others score I just love how much he's contributed to winning that's what I me he's played every type of role that you can play in the career he's done that here and this year finally kind of getting to be uh the pilot the ship but so much confidence in Anton Watson nice little Runner inside near the end of the [Applause] clock terrific seal from Ek you know the the key is to wait for the ball to get over your head so often you see the big guys release that that that position too early e does a great job he's so patient lend the ball come to him before he gives up that position on the low block French trying to get down the Baseline Martin no look pass let into the corner French is three quick release EK the rebound that's number nine for Graham dear here's Anon grab e strowman three on the way was quick decisions from everybody you don't have it move it to the next guy one dribble collapse the defense kick and that was the message today at shoter around coach F did not want the ball sticking anywhere he wanted the ball to go three passes and then go ball just go play ball that's the Ben when you have so many guys who can make a play with the ball if it's not there move it your teammate can make a [Applause] play and a whistle Dusty Stromer has found a stroke two for four tonight eight points two rebounds four assists that was the big question when uh steel venters went down he was perceived as the best three-point shooter on the roster this year and then we all pointed to Ben Greg and Braden Huff as being the guys that have to find the three-point line for Gonzaga but now Dusty Stromer starting to extend out there well well and and not just Stromer but you know nard and better last week is Manar not able to finish the layup you know I'm not sure nard or Hickman are going to become you know upper 30 40% three-point Shooters but they don't have to 1556 the play Gonzaga up by 35 70-35 this iteration of the Pack 12 can you name the two pack 12 teams Gonzaga never played never play okay okay about that wow I want to say Cal they lost to Cal I believe it was 99 okay they're going to say like 1945 uh I don't remember Arizona State that's one of them so you're correct Greg on that one and do I remember Utah I don't think I remember Utah they play have they played Oregon they play or state Oregon State they played Oregon State no that's what the game notes are for Greg stud them up man here we go he read one thing he remembered one thing he read wow dick just pulled the carpet out from under me with that one here I already knew the answer I'm trying to make him look smart oh wow dancing and Anton Watson with the reverse [Applause] slam I tell you what I love that big dude nine points for anti Corner three I mean that's not that's not make made three how quickly gag gets the ball on again he can't you said it great cut I mean that was impeccable timing perfect angle the Lost Art a lot of times in the game is that either as a big you're in that short Corner dunker spot or if you're a wing on that opposite Wing reading the defender turns his head when to cut in the vision of your teammate Anton Watson's obviously been well coached John Stockton aou Matty McIntyre at Gonzaga Prep Luca kovich back on the floor for GU shows Braden puff Williams Dr the front of the rim McLoud the rebound H with the block Outlet them hard home run ball Hickman has it poked Away by wear who went into the corner like a bullet and here's Williams at the other end and hangs but will shoot free throws 1457 to play [Applause] 7440 Rashad Williams graduate player from Detroit Michigan 62 [Applause] 185 and an 84.6% freeo shooter coming [Applause] in volume shooter brovich the rebound neart Hickman saved the turnover there Watson sets the screen Nolan free ball in and out Watson follows the shot lays it in but Huffs occupying two guys on the glass there Williams at the other end and a whistle I think they're going to count the bucket call the foul on the Lions I think a hip check on Watson as he was coming back down the [Music] floor [Music] so it wasn't against Watson it was against McLoud who hit [Applause] Watson Richard's falling off into a trance Hickman Huff goes after the ball nard and the foul cold and this is number five on Arkansas Pine blow zags now with three players in double digits as Anton Watson has joined the party and two more that missed it thought he hit it nard poked it away Z's got five players that average in double figures against USC they had six andon Watson had nine otherwise they would have had seven that is incredible balance nard spins blocked by [Music] French this starting to get a little bit of an open gym feel here yes the crowd's not into it as they normally are but I mean gona took the crowd out right away 324 Kel's been great this year but tonight many of the students have left early I guess they have a pass with finals coming up in the next week or [Applause] so let the rebound how hard is it for a player guys when you're up by 30 40 it's hard really [Music] hard is that all you got well I thought D was going to chime in and say I agree but uh left him an opening didn't take it no it's just look I mean you you you know the game you're going to win the game um you know it's it's not very intense it's difficult to manufacture that on your own and knock down a shot and the crowd just not as frothy as it normally is so that can be a challenge for you as a player Nolan Hickman now at a double digits with 11 zag has had six different leading scores in their first seven games of the season that's into Dan's point just the balance and they just have so much depth from a scoring perspective you know so many guys who can kind of go off and have a good night it makes it difficult when you're scouting against Gonzaga there's not an obvious candidate to play off of or to uh to force into shooting the ball I everybody that they put on the floor for the most part can knock down the jump shot or make a good play with the ball it does but the one concern I do have is if it's in a tight game where do do you go final possession I think you know that I mean the ball as Gonzaga maintains possession in the last possession of the game nard is going to have the ball in his hands and they're going to be running some sort of pick and roll action with some uh ball some some down screens or movement away from the ball I mean is there any a do that Greg the the thing that my response to that would be this team is so good at passing the ball that whoever's open is going to take the last shot we've had six games six leading scores I don't think you need like I hear that Dan and we talk about that every year well they don't they don't have the guy well that's a lot of times what separates those truly National Title contending type teams when the guy has a bad night you lose yeah that's the only argument I would make the guy can get you I hear the cliche about having to have the guy I'm super uncomfortable here Dan I'm agreeing with Greg 100% okay all right I'm in between two guys that don't respect my opinion I guess T oh my gosh I have more respect than you deserve yes it's crazy Milton to the corner got to get it off Stromer with the [Applause] rebound great h let me ask you this when Jaylen Suggs hit the shot against UCLA was he the guy in that offense that was was Mo the guy were you the guy Mo was the guy oh boy I believe they did play Oregon State when Gary Payton G was it o suu I believe so LCA kovic at the line now Greg can't complain cuz I apologize was Twitter letting you up is that why no is that a fact or is that a belief I believe there yeah they played Oregon State 11 times never beat them never well Oregon State for years under Ralph Miller they were maybe the second best basketball program on the west coast behind UCLA Bud Withers wrote a great book on Oregon State years ago where well there's some quickness shot for three on the way that's bang through by Kane moli 8 to 53 for all the fans out there that think Greg and I don't get along I apologize I'm just glad you're going to sleep better tonight you got that off I would have slept fine there's Hickman andon Watson he might end up being the guy well I remember lofty expectations that you put on him after his first game here we go Gaga uniform here we go I think that was off the Record now no it was it was it was on the record but what he doesn't understand Richard after all these years is that it is my job to be provocative it's my job to create controversy so I'm going to say things that are going to get reactions on purpose and here's H blocked from behind by Zack [Applause] Reinhardt and it's also a great Insurance imp policy as I can always claim that I'm here to get provocative responses from YouTube and to get Dan's goat French step back free throw line won't go here's Nolan [Applause] Hickman here's Ben Greg met with revers it strowman zags moving around plenty of time 10 minutes to play zaga trying to get to seven and one ski to the corner Ben Greg Stromer and there it is Bron Huff he's always around around he's had like two or three of those tonight just being in the right place right time he's a bucket machine to be [Music] honest and he's tall enough where he doesn't a lot of times it's just these putbacks French kovich Luca leaves it for Braden Huff three on the [Applause] way Huff with 17 and 12 minutes Greg 12 minutes unbelievable he's a weapon Richard and so Dan is worried about they don't have an end of the game [Applause] guys [Applause] Reinhard Stromer good box out rebound he does a great job on the glass I don't remember a guard this young in his career being that good in that category doesn't miss block outs goes and gets extra ones Pikman with 13 I think for Stromer a lot of what they want him to do is what Joel y did for that team which is a little bit of everything and as he develops throughout the year have the ball more in his hands he can make some plays with it in a way maybe Joel couldn't quite do early in his career the game at the kennel to see the Zags in person that Kentucky game I didn't go last year but I heard it was unbelievable hopefully they show up just like that that was a tremendous environment and you know pepperdine's young and an athletic every year Javon Porter very good player [Applause] here's Bart defense Juno leading the break down the lane left hand go June with his first field goal [Applause] 68215 zags have options gentlemen I think June's going to end up being a really good player for this program I mean Greg comes over with the help but he's just he's a good athlete he's all a 68 215 nice strong [Music] [Applause] finish 9153 what was the alltime scoring number 136 132 136 136 against Loyola marama back in 1989 9 probably not going to get there tonight we were on Pace at one time for 160 points zags were [Applause] [Music] rolling Lions still trying to run the offense Stromer trying to keep the ball in front of him Bren Huff was there to help defensively here's Ben greay [Applause] oh Stromer tried to no look at the break little delay in the cut to the rim and he missed him 739 to play and zaga up big want to see Richard just in person live for my own personal enjoyment matchup of a top 10 Gonzaga besides Gonzaga cuz I don't want to watch the Tommy Lloyd cuz well I think that would be pretty compelling television it would be um and that Arizona team is really good I look I think we're going to see it that Yukon game rematch from last year's lead eight Yukon is they lost a ton but reloaded much in the same way Gonzaga has they're up by 11 right now against North Carolina Then Greg that's where you quick raise your hand so you get credit for the Tipp in unless you're and you don't care but anyways did you hear what I just said yons up by Carolina up by that's a heck of a match up tonight yeah I'm sure what we know is that college basketball's wide open this year braen hub no bucket bra wanting it that's seven fouls now on the Lions so one and one coming for brayen huff I'm sure nobody has turned away from this to watch Yukon Carolina not if you're Zach not unless you're a [Applause] CR I get excited about this K yeah and Dan mentioned it struggled in Maui all three games his his playing time was was cut down Greg was great against Syracuse and UCLA kind of took some of those minutes but against USC a team that has those high level athletes quickness you know seem to kind of catch his footing and when he's got the three-point shot he's just a really difficult matchup it's going to he's going to have good opportunity here towards the end of this year Huff is to really test himself against better players better athletes Martin's deep three is short another chance French will let it fly that one was on line but long junor with a rebound head is up almost feels like a Pine Bluff beli there's a four-point shot out there Ben Greg W he's two of two from downtown not with eight Dan I don't don't think I've ever seen a team with this level of a green light I mean they're approaching attempted threes any shot is a good shot here the simple play well that is a good shot there Trail three Ben gray good to see him get it going a little bit here in the second half well the most attempts in a game this year for the Lions was 36 from behind the arc they've already taken 37 tonight so they're prolific Shooters but on another level tonight they've had to they've been down by 30 it seems like the whole game cuz they almost were Greg started 32 to4 yes you know unbelievable burst from Gonzaga right at tip off zags conversely 10 of 23 from behind the AR as a team shooting 43.5% four of seven this half the Brock salsman handing these stats to me the one that really stands out when you talk about the conversation tonight during the game there are four players with four or more assists for Gonzaga tonight they're doing a really nice job sharing the ball and you know quick decisions as we talked about earlier here in the second half the ball just really hasn't stuck at all Ben Greg growting the ball handler personal foul zags on an 180 run Dusty Stromer checking out kby Brooks the red shirt junr from Los Angeles checks in and I'm assuming Dusty stromer's done so dusty eight points four rebounds four [Music] assists pretty well rounded performance tonight from [Music] [Applause] Dusty Stosich back in there covich yo Colby Brooks and Ben Greg so the four players in double digits on the bench sorry Dan these are very valuable minutes for June and kovich in particular Luca has the ability to show Coach F that he can run the team in a pinch and June is just his overall development he's played well at times but he got the start tonight didn't look great in those early minutes but he's been much better in the second half s trying to give it back to Ben Greg missed him the 11 turnover for GU Here Comes Joe Hugh he's in for Ben Greg so Ben has done eight points eight rebounds one assist for Ben Greg three of six from the floor did his job again where the bounce French mid-range short PL with the [Applause] rebound Williams three on the way way off Rashad now four of 12 from behind the [Music] line Bob the Brooks how about that assist it might just be the best passing team they've ever had every opportunity you get to make that comment you better stand by that you better stand by that yes when when Joe Fu comes in Off the Bench and throws a dime like that kovic clears the Miss here's yo Shield free throws it's a big dude going to the rim another look at this lob picture perfect just as coach Mark drew it up that's got to be an interesting Dynamic he goes from coaching Team USA in the summer with some of the greatest players in the world to coaching his son and Joe's really improved during his time here at gona but just the difference in in level of play but also in level of pulling for somebody to do their best I think we know what you meant there drags up by 46 what did I mean during the four-minute Mark Williams trying to get around Brooks TR some space shot up no [Applause] good what's the call here that's going to be off of trejan we GaGa ball when we come back final television timeout 354 to play Gaga one to shooting the ball just an Ultimate Weapon 19 points in just 15 minutes for huff eight of nine I mean that only comes with Incredible touch understanding of angles awareness SC in so many ways this team is so loaded with skill and IQ well it position to position it reminds me a lot of some of the early Gonzaga teams maybe they don't have the rim protection or the athleticism and length that some of the more recent teams have but they share the ball they move it and I think they've become a grittier team on the defensive end than they were to start the season turnover there stops the clock 327 to play Richard you care to talk about the ceiling I'll lead you into what you were talking about in the commercial break you take it as far and as deep as you want let's get you on the record certainly think with the with the where college basketball is today this team is as good on any given night as anybody they've got a great opportunity in front of them to make another Deep Run I'm not going to be shocked to see them in a final four you know the question we were talking about was what what are the deficiencies where could you expose this group because this has been a tremendous start for this this team when you consider what they lost in Timmy shur the new pieces you know not necessarily knowing how it's all going to fit together I think you could not have asked for a better start to to the year you know but if you are starting to try to nitpick around the edges you know that lack of Rim protection that Dan mentioned might be concerned uh this isn't this is a big team good length around the rim not necessarily challenging shots at a high level and then offensively and defensively you've got small guards and Hickman and and N hard you know canot come up and cause a problem for you as you get further into the year um you just don't have great size in the back court so I'm confused are you backing off the final four no no no no no I I'm not predicting anything I'm saying they have the ability to get to a final four I don't have any doubt about that what I'm saying is if we're trying to to search for areas where they might have some challenges I think those are two lack of room protection and they're not a high they don't have high-end athleticism particularly on the perimeter I think the nice thing for them so far this season as compared to a few of the years past is the fact that they've flown under the radar nationally a little bit you know couple years ago with ched holgren last year with Drew Timmy eyes were focused on Gonzaga well I think last year when they started number two and number three in the country I think the three of us agreed that was way too lofty for them um given what they' lost and what that team's makeup was this year what starting out around 11 that felt about right and here you see them creeping up the standings this team's going to get better throughout the year you know the size of the guards or the lack of physicality in the guard positions for Gaga was a concern of mine until I watched them play USC yeah they proved that they can play thick guards and play better guarding the rim I mean you have what you have yeah well you guard the ball you got to be able to guard one of them and and I think that kid June is going to be important when it comes to that size and athleticism on the perimeter it's not to say he's going to play 20 minutes a night but he can come in I he's physically able to play play against about anybody in the country so he gives you a different look particularly defensively that you don't have with your starting back there and I will say this if we're talking of if if you're if you're pointing out deficiencies that you see about Gonzaga if they didn't have a deficiency they'd be the clear-cut number one team in the country headed towards the national championship they all have a deficiency oh absolutely rovic long on the attempt where the rebound [Applause] Dan you didn't really jump in there I was did you I was enjoying the conversation between the two of you I think this year college basketball's wide open you know I think uh there's a lot of really good teams there are a couple maybe players that could be viewed as dominant Zach Edy being one of them but when you look at gona you know they lost to Purdue but don't forget in the second half they missed I think it was 16 consecutive three-pointers they had far too many turnovers in that second half otherwise they easily maybe could have won that game and then we'd be talking about probably a top three team in gona but this schedule is shaping up to provide a couple really good games the rest of this year that's going to kind of determine I think the seating in the NCA tournament you look at that Ukon game you look at the San Diego State game and then you look at Kentucky in in February that game is really going to be very important in my eyes because it'll be another chance to be on the national stage against what I would think would be a top 25ish Kentucky team at that season I know they've struggled a little bit up till now to me the Kentucky game is the most important one because the others to me are measuring sticks when you get to February you can go in and and beat Kentucky there you're legit I think if you lose to Yukon it's still early enough the team isn't going to be what the team is going to be in March those are all measuring stick games to me and the fact that they already have these really nice victories talks about chemistry and continuity and then you see the skill set I think puts them in you know their ranking is legit it puts them in that conversation that next level I think we'll know more soon no I don't disagree and it's just a credit to the staff for being able to schedule that game that time of year just because you're going to be in the middle of your of your league schedule towards the back end quite frankly and given what the league looks like here the early returns for the WCC is you know you're looking at Santa Clara probably the second best team maybe San Francisco and St Mary's fighting for number three but quite frankly neither one of them's had a really good start to the year I'm not sure you're going to get a real opportunities in conference play to test yourself in the same way you would obviously against Kentucky or any of these non-conference games unlike last year where San you know Santa Clara was good with psky you had obviously St Mary's was uh just a really good team forced you to to Really Work your offense so good defensively and then San Francisco always gives Gonzaga a tough game and last good guards that provided a real test for you during the course of the year and it's too bad this is the year that BYU they've been unbelievable the start the year they're ranked 14th now and that's a goodl looking team yeah you lost your mic D are you there what Dan's trying to say Greg is you're absolutely right Greg I think that's exactly what Dan was saying without your you've never been more right in your life and without your steady presence your regular insights I would be unable to do my job as well as I do and basically he also was was chiming in with the fact that you know you know a lot more about basketball than I do that's what he was saying about and I'm embarrassed to say this but today's the right day for me to say it's everybody yes yeah so really powerful it's really impressive that Dan finally came to terms and became transparent enough to own his weakness there's Brooks in the [Applause] corner under a minute to go I'm being told that Dan is on his way to get set for the interview that we have coming up but he's still setting next to me so French 15 on the clock boy that guy can shoot it keep shooting it yeah seven eight eight of 19 now eight of 12 from three is French 26 points yeah leading all scores he's had himself a night [Applause] brovich nice catch by Brooks he stripped from behind yo trying to block the shot foul called stopping the clock with 16.6 to go and kylin Milton in some pain [Applause] Milton able to get himself up and he will shoot the free throws he's got 11 points tonight he's six of six from the line six rebounds two assists there are some offensive numbers that are there for Arkansas Pine Bluff but it's their defense really that had no chance at slowing Gonzaga it down tonight right from the opening yeah I mean look statistically this Arkansas Pine Bluff one of the worst defensive teams to start the year in the country and and part of it it's the way they play they want to play fast they take a ton of shots quick shots but they also don't have a lot of size particularly up front and we saw that tonight quite frankly their style of play the Gonzaga is just the wrong matchup and when you shoot so many threes you get a lot of long rebounds that turn into run outs going the other way exactly 28 points in transition position and then 21 points rather Second Chance points you see that that that's just a function of the size Gaga has on the offensive class and that turnover has stopped the clock at 11.4 to go okay we're being told there will be no interview after the game fin that game yeah I think I think what's happened is that all these late whistles in the the final few minutes has eliminated our time so it's going to be heer dickout Fox the rest of the way kovic we're going to have a final score 11171 my math is right that's a 40 Point Victory well done zaga had 60 points in the paint 28 fast break points 21 Second Chance points they