The 10th ranked Gonzaga Bulldogs beat the Georgia Bulldogs in what would be a hard fought game.
The first half saw a scrappy Georgia team try to keep the likes of 7'1" 288lb Preznek Karnowski out of the paint. Georgia would succeed as Karnowski finished the game with 4 points and 6 rebouds as he left the game due to fouling out. Georgia would keep the game close as they trailed 33-46 at the half.
The second half would see Georgia continue to fight to stay with the Zags as well as make a couple of runs of its own. One of those runs saw Georgia close the gap to 9. In the end the 22 points of Gonzaga guard Kevin Pangos and the 32 points of Gonzaga forward Kyle Wiltjer. Georgia would have their best performance come from guard Charles Mann who finished the game with 23 points and 7 rebounds.
The difference maker in this game was the play of Wiltjer, who was actually a member of the 2012 National Champion Kentucky Wildcats. After sitting out a year Wiltjer looks to really contribute in the Gonzaga frontcourt. Wiltjer showed tremendous footwork and a wide aray of post moves and shot. Wiltjer would hit everything from post hooks, to floaters, to a turnaround jumper that would end up being the last basket scored by either team in the first half.
Looking forward Gonzaga should look to continue to rely on the scoring of Pangos and Wiltjer, but need to see more contribution both in scoring and rebounding from their center Karnowski.
Other than seeing 3 players foul out, Gonzaga won a tough hard fought basketball game against a Georgia team who brought the fight for 40 minutes. The Zags next game will be against the Southeastern Louisiana Lions.