We will make this review short and pleasant. Gonzaga’s attack was clicking on all possible cylinders on Saturday night as they defeated the Portland Pilots, 116-88.
The main story is obviously that Joel Ayayi recorded the first triple-double in the program’s history. It was a storyline coming up in the season, with fans clamoring for the possibility, and after a few phone calls earlier in the year, it materialized on Saturday. Ayayi finished with 12 points, 13 rebounds and 14 assists for ZERO TURNOVERS. The 14 assists are the second most in a single game in Gonzaga’s history, behind Blake Stepp’s 16.
Gonzaga’s 116 points are the third largest in the Mark Few era. A whopping seven players ended in double digits, led by Drew Timme’s 26 points and Anton Watson’s 23 career highlights. Bulldogs had an absurd 80 points in the painting, which must be the highest number in school history. They hit just four points out of three and still scored 116 points at 1.55 points for possession.
If there were any disadvantages to this game, it would be the defense. They gave up 13 trios and Portland scored 1.16 points for possession, which is a horrible number given the quality of the Pilots’ attack. Obviously, it will be offensive for the offensive performance, but this type of defensive effort would not win beyond the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
Julian Strawther scored 12 points and Ben Gregg scored the first basket of his career in his hometown, Portland. In all, it was a fun night for Zag fans.
Gonzaga will return to Spokane and host Pepperdine on Thursday before traveling to Moraga to face Saint Mary, who lost his WCC debut to Santa Clara.