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Mar. 20—WICHITA, Kan. — Midway through the first half, Georgia briefly turned the momentum of a first-round NCAA Tournament game against Gonzaga.
Dakota Leffew knocked down a 3-pointer and converted inside on the next trip down, Silas Demary Jr. went to the line for a pair of free throws and Georgia finally stopped the bleeding at the other end, coming up with defensive stops on four straight possessions.
It amounted to a 7-0 scoring run ... that cut Gonzaga's lead to 18 points.
It required all of five minutes to determine who the superior Bulldogs were at Intrust Bank Arena. Gonzaga scored 27 of the first 30 points, established a 25-point lead in the first half and steamrolled its SEC opponent for an 89-68 victory.
It gave the eighth-seeded Zags their 16th consecutive first-round NCAA Tournament victory and set up a Round of 32 matchup with top-seeded Houston on Saturday. The Cougars cruised to a 78-40 victory over SIU Edwardsville in their NCAA opener on Thursday afternoon.
Gonzaga built a big lead early with 3-point shooting and defensive prowess, keeping Georgia scoreless for the first 4 minutes, 10 seconds. The SEC Bulldogs were trailing 13-0 when they finally got on the board with an Asa Newell jumper. Georgia's next basket, a layup from Demary Jr., didn't arrive for another 4 minutes, 34 seconds, and only trimmed GU's lead to 22 points.
Nine days after making 1 of 15 from the 3-point line against Saint Mary's in the West Coast Conference title game, Gonzaga changed its fortunes in a big way, connecting on 12 of 20 and falling just two 3's short of the program NCAA Tournament record set against Norfolk State.
The Zags had four double-digit scorers, led by 24 points from Khalif Battle, who finished 9 of 13 from the field, 4 of 7 from the 3-point line and had a season-high eight rebounds in his NCAA Tournament debut.
Guard Nolan Hickman scored 18 points and made 5 of 6 from the 3-point line, falling one triple short of his career-high, while Braden Huff finished with 18 points and posted a plus-18 in his third career start. Graham Ike added 13 points for the Zags.
BOX SCORE
Dave Boling: Near-perfect Gonzaga sets table for 'vintage' NCAA Tournament run
WICHITA, Kan. — This game felt like an appetizer. — Read more
Buzzer breakdown: Gonzaga's blazing start, guard dominance and Braden Huff shines in starting lineup
WICHITA, Kan. — Here are three observations from Gonzaga's 89-68 win over Georgia on Thursday in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. — Read more
Difference makers: Gonzaga guards Nolan Hickman, Khalif Battle fuel stellar start to NCAA Tournament
Difference makers — Read more
Scouting Gonzaga's second-round opponent: Houston
First half
19:29 — GU 3, UGA 0: Georgia wins the tip, Cain misses and the Zags run out quick in transition. Nembhard finds Hickman on the wing for a 3-pointer to open the scoring. We're underway in Wichita.
Zags made just one 3-pointer in the WCC title game and connect on their first attempt today.
16:46 — GU 11, UGA 0: Perfect start for the Zags on both ends, forced five turnovers and got another 3-pointer to drop from Nembhard.
15:59 — GU 13, UGA 0: Battle dishes inside to Ike for a layup ahead of the first media timeout. Zags 5 of 6 from the field, UGA 0 of 5. Experience really showing early, we'll see how long GU can extend the opening run.
13:10 — GU 27, UGA 3: Total domination for Gonzaga.
Newell finally gets UGA on the board, but Zags answer with a 12-0 run and UGA calls timeout.
Zags are 11 of 14 from the field and 4 of 4 on 3-pointers. Huff leads with seven points, followed by six from Hickman.
Georgia being held to 1 of 11 from the field with seven turnovers.
7:55 — GU 30, UGA 12: Zags cool off, on a 3:06 scoring drought at the U8 media timeout. Georgia takes advantage with a 7-0 run, but still down big. James hit with his second personal foul.
3:40 — GU 40, UGA 23: Hickman makes three free throws ahead of the U4 media timeout. Georgia made up some ground at the line (7 of 11), but the Zags holding strong.
Battle has been excellent with 12 points and five rebounds, both driving inside and connecting from deep.
0:33 — GU 48, UGA 27: Hickman stays hot with another 3-pointer, Zags call timeout to try and get a good look before halftime. Hickman leads with 15 points, Battle has 14.
Halftime
Gonzaga opened on a dominant run and leads Georgia 48-27 at halftime in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
The Zags led 27-3, playing well on both ends of the court. Nolan Hickman leads with 15 points and Khalif Battle adds 14 points and seven rebounds.
Gonzaga held Georgia to 28% from the field and 1 of 13 on 3-pointers with 10 turnovers. The Zags shot 59% and made 8 of 11 3s.
Graham Ike only played eight minutes with two fouls. Ike, Michael Ajayi and Braden Huff have two fouls apiece.
Second half
16:40 — GU 56, UGA 34: Georgia gets a couple of baskets to start the second half, but Battle and Huff hit 3-pointers to build the Zags lead. GU now 10 of 14 on 3s in the game.
15:44 — GU 58, UGA 36: Newell travels at the U16 media timeout.
Huff hit a jumper on the other end, he's up to 12 points and six rebounds, playing well after making his second straight start.
11:42 — GU 66, UGA 48: Georiga has been much better this half, cut Zags lead to 16 on a 3-pointer from Cain, but Huff gets a block on the next possession followed by a Battle jumper.
Battle up to 21 points for the Zags, making 8 of 12 attempts from the field.
Georiga has a 21-18 advantage in the second half, but Zags still in control at the U12 media timeout.
6:40 — GU 80, UGA 58: Huff called for his third foul at the U8 media timeout as the Zags run this one out.
Battle up to 24 points and eight rebounds, Hickman and Huff add 18 points apiece. Ike makes four Zags in double figures with 10.
3:22 — GU 85, UGA 60: Ike called for his fourth foul at the final media timeout.
Zags going to win another NCAA Tournament opener. They'll take on Houston on Saturday to try and make it 10 straight trips to the Sweet 16. We'll be back with a full recap shortly.
Starting fives
Gonzaga: Ryan Nembhard, Nolan Hickman, Khalif Battle, Graham Ike and Braden Huff.
Zags roll out same lineup from WCC championship, starting Huff for the third time in his career.
Georgia: Blue Cain, Silas Demary Jr., RJ Godfrey, Dylan James, Asa Newell.
Pregame
Here. We. Go.
Gonzaga is ready for its 26th consecutive appearance in March Madness.
The eighth-seeded Zags tip off against the No. 9 seed Georgia Bulldogs in the first round today at 1:35 p.m. in Wichita, Kansas. TBS will carry the broadcast.
The Zags (25-8) earned an automatic bid by winning the West Coast Conference Tournament and have won four straight leading into today's contest. Georgia (20-12) was up-and-down this season, but picked up some big wins in the Southeastern Conference, regarded as the best in college basketball this year.
The winner will take on top-seeded Houston in the second round, who handled No. 16 seed Southern Illinois-Edwardsville 78-40 this morning.
Team stats
Georgia (20-12)
Gonzaga (24-8)
Points
75.6
86.6
Points allowed
69.3
69.6
Field goal pct.
46.4
50.0
Rebounds
36.6
38.6
Assists
12.5
19.7
Blocks
5.2
3.0
Steals
7.7
7.6
Streak
Lost 1
Won 4
Individual leaders
POINTS
PPG
FG%
FT%
Asa Newell (UGA)
15.3
54.1
74.4
Graham Ike (GU)
17.1
59.6
79.7
REBOUNDS
RPG
DRPG
ORPG
Asa Newell (UGA)
6.8
3.6
3.3
Graham Ike (GU)
7.5
5.4
2.1
ASSISTS
APG
TOPG
MPG
Silas Demary Jr. (UGA)
3.1
2.3
29.0
Ryan Nembhard (GU)
9.8
2.3
35.0
Scouting Georgia
Scouting Gonzaga's first NCAA Tournament opponent Georgia
Game preview
No. 8 Gonzaga relying on NCAA Tournament experience ahead of matchup with No. 9 Georgia
WICHITA, Kan. — With more than two decades of success on the sport's biggest stage, it requires a considerable amount of ink to print all of Gonzaga's NCAA Tournament superlatives and streaks. — Read more
Key matchup: Gonzaga knows Asa Newell's game, but containing Georgia freshman could be a challenge in NCAA opener
WICHITA, Kan. — From Mark Few's dinner table to the top of Gonzaga's scouting report, Georgia's Asa Newell not only qualifies as the most important matchup of Thursday's NCAA Tournament opener between the WCC Zags and SEC Bulldogs, but one of the most intriguing of GU's season, given the history between the freshman standout and one of the schools that nearly landed his services. — Read more
Q&A: Georgia reporter details Georgia's strengths, standout freshman Asa Newell
We checked in with Jack Leo, who has watched Georgia play all season, for a Q&A to get a closer look at the program. Leo covers Georgia basketball for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and Dawgnation. — Read more
More on the Zags
Dave Boling: Gonzaga will try to avoid 'chilling on the couch' with desperate play against Georgia
Creator and curator of a hoop phenomenon unique to college athletics, mastermind of offensive efficiency, motivator of elite athletes. Mark Few is all of that. Globally appreciated. Unknown until recently, though, has been his capacity to coach desperation. — Read more
Montverde connection binds Gonzaga's Ryan Nembhard, Georgia's Asa Newell
WICHITA, Kan. — When building a list of the best high school basketball teams in recent memory, it'd be easy to make a case for two teams from Florida-based Montverde Academy. — Read more
In Khalif Battle, Gonzaga found aura, attitude and someone with an undying appetite for March Madness
"Khalif Battle is built for March." — Read more
Gonzaga packs chip on shoulder for NCAA Tournament trip
The Gaels won close decisions in the first two matchups, prompting GU's coaching staff to not only adjust the starting five — inserting Braden Huff for Ben Gregg — but push the players to summon every ounce of their competitive fire in Las Vegas. — Read more
Gonzaga's Khalif Battle, Michael Ajayi put on dancing shoes for first time
Ajayi and Battle will achieve a career milestone when they suit up in their first NCAA Tournament game Thursday against Georgia in Wichita. Freshman center Ismaila Diagne is also a newcomer to March Madness. — Read more
'Coach, I just want to play': Gonzaga's Steele Venters working to return after losing two seasons to injuries
Venters knew he'd torn his left Achilles tendon and a second straight season would be spent doing months of rehabilitation and watching from the bench instead of playing with his teammates. — Read more
Ben Gregg, Graham Ike applaud former Gonzaga teammate Anton Watson's first NBA points
Gonzaga is busy preparing to play Georgia on Thursday in the NCAA Tournament, college basketball's biggest stage. But a few Zags made time Wednesday to applaud former teammate Anton Watson, who scored his first NBA points Monday with the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden, one of the biggest stages in the world. — Read more
Continue reading...
Dakota Leffew knocked down a 3-pointer and converted inside on the next trip down, Silas Demary Jr. went to the line for a pair of free throws and Georgia finally stopped the bleeding at the other end, coming up with defensive stops on four straight possessions.
It amounted to a 7-0 scoring run ... that cut Gonzaga's lead to 18 points.
It required all of five minutes to determine who the superior Bulldogs were at Intrust Bank Arena. Gonzaga scored 27 of the first 30 points, established a 25-point lead in the first half and steamrolled its SEC opponent for an 89-68 victory.
It gave the eighth-seeded Zags their 16th consecutive first-round NCAA Tournament victory and set up a Round of 32 matchup with top-seeded Houston on Saturday. The Cougars cruised to a 78-40 victory over SIU Edwardsville in their NCAA opener on Thursday afternoon.
Gonzaga built a big lead early with 3-point shooting and defensive prowess, keeping Georgia scoreless for the first 4 minutes, 10 seconds. The SEC Bulldogs were trailing 13-0 when they finally got on the board with an Asa Newell jumper. Georgia's next basket, a layup from Demary Jr., didn't arrive for another 4 minutes, 34 seconds, and only trimmed GU's lead to 22 points.
Nine days after making 1 of 15 from the 3-point line against Saint Mary's in the West Coast Conference title game, Gonzaga changed its fortunes in a big way, connecting on 12 of 20 and falling just two 3's short of the program NCAA Tournament record set against Norfolk State.
The Zags had four double-digit scorers, led by 24 points from Khalif Battle, who finished 9 of 13 from the field, 4 of 7 from the 3-point line and had a season-high eight rebounds in his NCAA Tournament debut.
Guard Nolan Hickman scored 18 points and made 5 of 6 from the 3-point line, falling one triple short of his career-high, while Braden Huff finished with 18 points and posted a plus-18 in his third career start. Graham Ike added 13 points for the Zags.
BOX SCORE
Dave Boling: Near-perfect Gonzaga sets table for 'vintage' NCAA Tournament run
WICHITA, Kan. — This game felt like an appetizer. — Read more
Buzzer breakdown: Gonzaga's blazing start, guard dominance and Braden Huff shines in starting lineup
WICHITA, Kan. — Here are three observations from Gonzaga's 89-68 win over Georgia on Thursday in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. — Read more
Difference makers: Gonzaga guards Nolan Hickman, Khalif Battle fuel stellar start to NCAA Tournament
Difference makers — Read more
Scouting Gonzaga's second-round opponent: Houston
First half
19:29 — GU 3, UGA 0: Georgia wins the tip, Cain misses and the Zags run out quick in transition. Nembhard finds Hickman on the wing for a 3-pointer to open the scoring. We're underway in Wichita.
Zags made just one 3-pointer in the WCC title game and connect on their first attempt today.
16:46 — GU 11, UGA 0: Perfect start for the Zags on both ends, forced five turnovers and got another 3-pointer to drop from Nembhard.
15:59 — GU 13, UGA 0: Battle dishes inside to Ike for a layup ahead of the first media timeout. Zags 5 of 6 from the field, UGA 0 of 5. Experience really showing early, we'll see how long GU can extend the opening run.
13:10 — GU 27, UGA 3: Total domination for Gonzaga.
Newell finally gets UGA on the board, but Zags answer with a 12-0 run and UGA calls timeout.
Zags are 11 of 14 from the field and 4 of 4 on 3-pointers. Huff leads with seven points, followed by six from Hickman.
Georgia being held to 1 of 11 from the field with seven turnovers.
7:55 — GU 30, UGA 12: Zags cool off, on a 3:06 scoring drought at the U8 media timeout. Georgia takes advantage with a 7-0 run, but still down big. James hit with his second personal foul.
3:40 — GU 40, UGA 23: Hickman makes three free throws ahead of the U4 media timeout. Georgia made up some ground at the line (7 of 11), but the Zags holding strong.
Battle has been excellent with 12 points and five rebounds, both driving inside and connecting from deep.
0:33 — GU 48, UGA 27: Hickman stays hot with another 3-pointer, Zags call timeout to try and get a good look before halftime. Hickman leads with 15 points, Battle has 14.
Halftime
Gonzaga opened on a dominant run and leads Georgia 48-27 at halftime in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
The Zags led 27-3, playing well on both ends of the court. Nolan Hickman leads with 15 points and Khalif Battle adds 14 points and seven rebounds.
Gonzaga held Georgia to 28% from the field and 1 of 13 on 3-pointers with 10 turnovers. The Zags shot 59% and made 8 of 11 3s.
Graham Ike only played eight minutes with two fouls. Ike, Michael Ajayi and Braden Huff have two fouls apiece.
Second half
16:40 — GU 56, UGA 34: Georgia gets a couple of baskets to start the second half, but Battle and Huff hit 3-pointers to build the Zags lead. GU now 10 of 14 on 3s in the game.
15:44 — GU 58, UGA 36: Newell travels at the U16 media timeout.
Huff hit a jumper on the other end, he's up to 12 points and six rebounds, playing well after making his second straight start.
11:42 — GU 66, UGA 48: Georiga has been much better this half, cut Zags lead to 16 on a 3-pointer from Cain, but Huff gets a block on the next possession followed by a Battle jumper.
Battle up to 21 points for the Zags, making 8 of 12 attempts from the field.
Georiga has a 21-18 advantage in the second half, but Zags still in control at the U12 media timeout.
6:40 — GU 80, UGA 58: Huff called for his third foul at the U8 media timeout as the Zags run this one out.
Battle up to 24 points and eight rebounds, Hickman and Huff add 18 points apiece. Ike makes four Zags in double figures with 10.
3:22 — GU 85, UGA 60: Ike called for his fourth foul at the final media timeout.
Zags going to win another NCAA Tournament opener. They'll take on Houston on Saturday to try and make it 10 straight trips to the Sweet 16. We'll be back with a full recap shortly.
Starting fives
Gonzaga: Ryan Nembhard, Nolan Hickman, Khalif Battle, Graham Ike and Braden Huff.
Zags roll out same lineup from WCC championship, starting Huff for the third time in his career.
Georgia: Blue Cain, Silas Demary Jr., RJ Godfrey, Dylan James, Asa Newell.
Pregame
Here. We. Go.
Gonzaga is ready for its 26th consecutive appearance in March Madness.
The eighth-seeded Zags tip off against the No. 9 seed Georgia Bulldogs in the first round today at 1:35 p.m. in Wichita, Kansas. TBS will carry the broadcast.
The Zags (25-8) earned an automatic bid by winning the West Coast Conference Tournament and have won four straight leading into today's contest. Georgia (20-12) was up-and-down this season, but picked up some big wins in the Southeastern Conference, regarded as the best in college basketball this year.
The winner will take on top-seeded Houston in the second round, who handled No. 16 seed Southern Illinois-Edwardsville 78-40 this morning.
Team stats
Georgia (20-12)
Gonzaga (24-8)
Points
75.6
86.6
Points allowed
69.3
69.6
Field goal pct.
46.4
50.0
Rebounds
36.6
38.6
Assists
12.5
19.7
Blocks
5.2
3.0
Steals
7.7
7.6
Streak
Lost 1
Won 4
Individual leaders
POINTS
PPG
FG%
FT%
Asa Newell (UGA)
15.3
54.1
74.4
Graham Ike (GU)
17.1
59.6
79.7
REBOUNDS
RPG
DRPG
ORPG
Asa Newell (UGA)
6.8
3.6
3.3
Graham Ike (GU)
7.5
5.4
2.1
ASSISTS
APG
TOPG
MPG
Silas Demary Jr. (UGA)
3.1
2.3
29.0
Ryan Nembhard (GU)
9.8
2.3
35.0
Scouting Georgia
Scouting Gonzaga's first NCAA Tournament opponent Georgia
Game preview
No. 8 Gonzaga relying on NCAA Tournament experience ahead of matchup with No. 9 Georgia
WICHITA, Kan. — With more than two decades of success on the sport's biggest stage, it requires a considerable amount of ink to print all of Gonzaga's NCAA Tournament superlatives and streaks. — Read more
Key matchup: Gonzaga knows Asa Newell's game, but containing Georgia freshman could be a challenge in NCAA opener
WICHITA, Kan. — From Mark Few's dinner table to the top of Gonzaga's scouting report, Georgia's Asa Newell not only qualifies as the most important matchup of Thursday's NCAA Tournament opener between the WCC Zags and SEC Bulldogs, but one of the most intriguing of GU's season, given the history between the freshman standout and one of the schools that nearly landed his services. — Read more
Q&A: Georgia reporter details Georgia's strengths, standout freshman Asa Newell
We checked in with Jack Leo, who has watched Georgia play all season, for a Q&A to get a closer look at the program. Leo covers Georgia basketball for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and Dawgnation. — Read more
More on the Zags
Dave Boling: Gonzaga will try to avoid 'chilling on the couch' with desperate play against Georgia
Creator and curator of a hoop phenomenon unique to college athletics, mastermind of offensive efficiency, motivator of elite athletes. Mark Few is all of that. Globally appreciated. Unknown until recently, though, has been his capacity to coach desperation. — Read more
Montverde connection binds Gonzaga's Ryan Nembhard, Georgia's Asa Newell
WICHITA, Kan. — When building a list of the best high school basketball teams in recent memory, it'd be easy to make a case for two teams from Florida-based Montverde Academy. — Read more
In Khalif Battle, Gonzaga found aura, attitude and someone with an undying appetite for March Madness
"Khalif Battle is built for March." — Read more
Gonzaga packs chip on shoulder for NCAA Tournament trip
The Gaels won close decisions in the first two matchups, prompting GU's coaching staff to not only adjust the starting five — inserting Braden Huff for Ben Gregg — but push the players to summon every ounce of their competitive fire in Las Vegas. — Read more
Gonzaga's Khalif Battle, Michael Ajayi put on dancing shoes for first time
Ajayi and Battle will achieve a career milestone when they suit up in their first NCAA Tournament game Thursday against Georgia in Wichita. Freshman center Ismaila Diagne is also a newcomer to March Madness. — Read more
'Coach, I just want to play': Gonzaga's Steele Venters working to return after losing two seasons to injuries
Venters knew he'd torn his left Achilles tendon and a second straight season would be spent doing months of rehabilitation and watching from the bench instead of playing with his teammates. — Read more
Ben Gregg, Graham Ike applaud former Gonzaga teammate Anton Watson's first NBA points
Gonzaga is busy preparing to play Georgia on Thursday in the NCAA Tournament, college basketball's biggest stage. But a few Zags made time Wednesday to applaud former teammate Anton Watson, who scored his first NBA points Monday with the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden, one of the biggest stages in the world. — Read more
Continue reading...
