Gonzaga's Resilient Victory Over Pacific: Key Takeaways
Gonzaga showcased their depth and resilience in a 71-62 victory over Pacific, thanks to standout performances from some unlikely heroes and a second-half surge by their star player.
Fogle and Innocenti Shine
With Graham Ike having a shaky night offensively, it was freshman Davis Fogle and junior Emmanuel Innocenti who stepped up to the plate. Fogle, in particular, was a revelation.
Leading the team in the first half with nine points, he matched that effort in the second half to finish with a solid 18 points. His efficiency was notable, hitting 4 of 5 shots and sinking 9 of 12 from the free-throw line.
Innocenti, on the other hand, continued his recent hot streak. For the third consecutive game, the 6-foot-5 junior hit double figures, a marked improvement from his earlier season performance.
His two crucial 3-pointers in the second half, including a pivotal shot from the wing, gave Gonzaga a 53-49 lead with just over nine minutes remaining. After a rough stretch from beyond the arc, Innocenti found his rhythm, going 2 of 3 on 3-pointers and scoring 13 points overall.
Ike's Second-Half Redemption
Despite a sluggish start, Graham Ike found his groove in the second half. Although he struggled early, going 2 of 9 from the field, Ike caught fire when it mattered most.
Scoring 16 of his 20 points after the break, he extended his impressive streak of 20-point games to nine. His ability to hit tough shots, like a 13-footer to open the second half, was crucial.
A technical foul after a brief exchange with an official seemed to ignite his competitive spirit. His three-point play at 10:22 gave Gonzaga a lead they wouldn’t relinquish, and he added seven more points in the final minutes to seal the win.
Free-Throw Woes and Recovery
Gonzaga's free-throw shooting was a tale of two halves. The first half saw them struggle, hitting just 5 of 11, a performance that could have cost them dearly.
However, they regrouped and improved significantly in the second half, making 13 of 18 attempts. This uptick was essential for maintaining their lead and closing out the game.
Ike was perfect from the line in the second half, contributing to the team's overall improvement.
Despite entering the game with a free-throw percentage of 69.8%, ranking them 264th nationally, Gonzaga showed they can rise to the occasion when it counts. This win not only highlights their depth but also their ability to adapt and overcome in-game challenges.