20. Gonzaga (2-0)
There’s no surprise seeing Gonzaga in the national rankings or entering the season with expectations, especially with the talent both old and new in Spokane. What is a surprise is the recent struggle against Saint Mary’s in regards to winning WCC titles, let alone the Bulldogs’ impeding exit for the Pac-12. This is going to be some season for the Bulldogs and they spent the opening week showing they’re here to win.
No struggles were had on opening night as Gonzaga edged Texas Southern 98-43 with relative ease. Five players were in double figures, led by newcomer Tyon Grant-Foster’s 15-point performance and a Graham Ike double-double. The stakes were a bit higher on Saturday but the result the same as the Bulldogs won 83-68 over Oklahoma. They took down their SEC foe thanks to 19 points and 11 rebounds from Ike and some great bench work from Grant-Foster (14 points, 7 rebounds) and Jalen Warley (13 points, 8 rebounds).
You won’t find too much to complain about after the first two games of the season for the faithful in Spokane. Everyone knew that Ike was going to be a force in his final season while Grant-Foster, recently ruled eligible, is already proving his value to this veteran-laden lineup. Gonzaga builds their resume with these nonconference games and have another big matchup against Creighton in just a few days before a road test at Arizona State.