Gonzaga entered the 2026–27 college basketball season with a new conference, a reshaped roster and the same expectations that have followed Mark Few's program for years. The Bulldogs are still expected to compete for championships, regardless of the league they call home.
Monday's 78–72 victory over Purdue in Las Vegas provided an encouraging opening statement.
It wasn't a flawless performance. Gonzaga needed to withstand a late Purdue comeback, and its leading scorer struggled to make shots consistently from the field. But the Bulldogs demonstrated something that should matter considerably as the season progresses: They have multiple players capable of contributing when the game becomes difficult.
For a team beginning its first season in the rebuilt Pac-12, that may be more important than the final margin.
Taking the WIN back to Spokane 🙌 pic.twitter.com/NCjpumZZPB
— Gonzaga Basketball (@ZagMBB) November 3, 2026
Davis Fogle delivered when Gonzaga needed him
Davis Fogle led Gonzaga with a career-high 22 points, providing the scoring production the Bulldogs needed against a disciplined Purdue team.
His performance was particularly interesting because it wasn't built around exceptional shooting efficiency. Fogle made six of his 18 field-goal attempts but connected on nine of 10 free throws, finding ways to score even when his jumper wasn't falling.
That ability to generate points without relying exclusively on outside shooting can become especially valuable in close games. Gonzaga will face opponents capable of taking away preferred scoring opportunities, and having a player who can attack the basket and draw fouls gives the offense another dimension.
Fogle also answered at a critical moment. Purdue had reduced Gonzaga's lead to 68–66 with just over three minutes remaining before Fogle scored on a layup to provide some breathing room.
The Bulldogs still needed defensive stops to finish the game, but their leading scorer responded when the pressure increased.
Gonzaga's supporting cast gives opponents another problem
Fogle wasn't carrying the entire offense.
Xaivian Lee finished with 18 points, Izan Almansa contributed 11 and Braden Huff added 10. Together, those four players accounted for 61 of Gonzaga's 78 points.
That balance gives Few several options as the Bulldogs develop their offensive identity.
Lee and Almansa were particularly important during a second-half stretch when Gonzaga created separation. The Bulldogs put together a 15–6 run that helped them build a 10-point advantage.
Purdue eventually responded, but Gonzaga had already demonstrated an ability to create offense through multiple contributors.
The question moving forward is whether that production becomes consistent enough to withstand opponents that successfully limit one or two of the Bulldogs' primary scoring options.
Purdue made the Bulldogs earn everything
The Boilermakers had opportunities to change the outcome.
Daniel Jacobsen scored 22 points on nine-of-11 shooting and grabbed seven rebounds, giving Purdue a reliable interior presence throughout the game.
Purdue also fought back after Gonzaga appeared to have established control, cutting the deficit to two points late in the second half.
But the Boilermakers missed four of their final five field-goal attempts, allowing Gonzaga to protect its advantage.
The victory was especially meaningful because Gonzaga had never previously defeated Purdue.
That historical detail doesn't determine what happens next, but it adds another layer to an opening-night performance against a respected national opponent.
Gonzaga's new chapter begins with an encouraging answer
The Bulldogs have plenty to improve before conference play begins. Their offensive efficiency can become more consistent, and there will be nights when opponents make a stronger push in the closing minutes.
But Monday demonstrated that Gonzaga has enough scoring options and composure to defeat a quality opponent without everything going perfectly.
The Bulldogs entered the season hoping to prove that their move into the Pac-12 would not change their national ambitions.
One victory cannot establish an entire season's identity.
Still, Gonzaga's first result suggests the program is ready to begin another serious pursuit of March success.
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