A Look at Gonzaga’s Nonconference Schedule: Part 2

Gonzaga’s nonconference schedule continues to take shape with games against UMass Lowell and a rematch with San Diego State. How will the Bulldogs fare?

It’s never too early to start looking forward to November. With only weeks until the commencement (finally!) of this year’s college basketball season and with more games being added to the slate each day, it’s clear the Zags will have their work cut out for them in the final months of 2024. Once again, Few and co. have put together a mix of high caliber opponents and “warm up” matches against talented but outgunned visitors.

Prior to setting sail for the Bahamas and the stiff competition they will face in the yearly Battle 4 Atlantis Tournament, the Zags will face Arizona State and UMass Lowell in the Kennel and then travel south for their first true road test against the San Diego State Aztecs.

UMass Lowell – Friday, November 15 – McCarthy Athletic Center – Spokane, WA

Those hoping for a blowout confidence-boosting cupcake game against the River Hawks of UMass Lowell would be wise to recalibrate expectations. Although the River Hawks lack a prominent competitive reputation, Pat Duquette’s team is known for taking games that should be blowouts right down to the final seconds. They did it last year against Georgia Tech (who they beat 74-71) and then again a few days later in a narrow loss to Arizona State, a game which they led for 38 minutes before a final spurt by the Sun Devils sent them packing. They are a scrappy team on an upward trajectory and they enter this season with a lot to prove.

Ending last season with a 22-10 record, the River Hawks secured second place in the American East Conference, just behind the University of Vermont. They lost the conference championship game by only five points and have made three conference championship appearances in the last four years. The River Hawks are a team with their eyes set on finally dancing in March and if they pick up where they left off, they just might finally make it. Although this game might not be a top priority for Gonzaga fans, UMass Lowell should not be underestimated.

UMass Lowell’s strengths are in their perimeter defense and their ability to grab rebounds on both ends of the floor. They finished third in the nation in 3-point percentage defense at 29.2% last year, so if you plan to beat the River Hawks from outside, you should also plan to have a backup plan. According to FoxSports, they finished 10th in the nation in rebounds per game (37.3) and 38th in total field goal percentage (47.5%). The River Hawks play tough defense, attack off the dribble, get to the free throw line, and crash the boards better than many teams Gonzaga will face this season. They are resilient, fast, and scrappy, and their match-up in the Kennel will be the first real test of the Zags’ physicality and grit.

San Diego State – Monday, November 18 – Viejas Arena – San Diego, CA

Teams don’t get much tougher than the San Diego State Aztecs of last season. Led by Karl Malone Award winner Jaedon LeDee, the Aztecs continued their dominance of the often-underrated Mountain West Conference, making their fifth NCAA Tournament appearance in the last seven seasons. Although they suffered a heavy defeat to UConn in a rematch of the 2022-2023 tournament championship game, their play last season should not be downplayed. Based on RPI metrics, SDSU faced the third-toughest schedule in the nation last year and they have set a gauntlet for themselves once again this year. After all, who doesn’t get pummeled by UConn from time to time?

From the beginning of last season it seemed the Aztecs were on a mission. Gonzaga fans likely remember last year’s match-up when the then-unranked SDSU waltzed into the Kennel and left with an unexpected win. LeDee scored 20 points and grabbed 7 rebounds in that win and the strength and defensive toughness of the Aztecs had the Zags on their heels throughout. SDSU would go on to make the Sweet 16 as a 5-seed and LeDee would go on to put together one of the finest individual tournament performances in recent memory.

This year, SDSU will be without LeDee and several other key players, but they also return eight core members of last year’s squad (including sharp shooting 5th-year senior guard Reese Waters, who scored 22 points against Gonzaga last year). The Aztecs had a busy off-season, adding exciting prospects like 4-star power forward Pharoah Compton and 7-footer David Majak. Middle Tennessee transfer Jared Coleman-Jones, a 6’10” 240-pound power forward, will likely try to fill the gap left by LeDee.

While it’s hard to predict how SDSU will adjust without LeDee, they still have the components to challenge Gonzaga. Known for their defensive strength and physical play, the Aztecs are a team that has given Gonzaga trouble in the past. Even without the most essential component from last season, SDSU remains a team to watch closely in 2024