Graham Ike propelled the Zags with 27 points, and Khalif Battles put in 26 as Gonzaga rolled passed LMU 96-68 victory and giving themselves a 3-0 record in conference play.
Gonzaga opened the game in the typical Bulldog fast paced fashion forcing the LMU Lions to keep up, which is a tough thing to do with the skill set of the Zags. Ben Gregg got the start again over Mike Ajayi which has proven to be a good switch for the Zags, because Gregg’s energy helps the Zags fast paced style. His defense also helps the Zags defensive unit as a whole, so this seems to be a more complete Gonzaga team.
Like he did against Portland, Ben Gregg once again got the starting nod over Michael Ajayi last night, and it seems the lineup change is paying off—for both the team and for Ajayi individually. From the opening whistle, Gonzaga set the pace to “Really Really Fast” and capitalized on LMU’s inability to keep up. Ben Gregg might just prove once again to be the secret sauce to helping the Bulldogs come out with better energy. Ben was all over the floor defensively and came up with some key rebounds, bodying up LMU’s front-court and finding outlet passes to keep things moving in transition.
The defensive pressure that was put on Loyola’s stud player, held him to 1 for 7 from the floor first half and frustrated him into 3 early fouls. Ajayi coming off the bench was able to add to the onslaught with 15 points on 5-8 shooting. His 11 point first half helped the Zags to a 46-28 half time lead.
Zags had their 2nd half slowed down a bit by some touchy calls and LMU made a push, but by the end of the game, Ryan Nembhard had recorded his sixth double-double of the season with 10 points and 11 assists, Battle and Ike had combined for 53 of the team’s 96 points and Gonzaga Cruised to the victory. The Zags pick up again on the 8th as they host San Diego.
