Gonzaga Shines Bright as Five Victories Marked by an Eye-Catching Average
The 2024 college basketball season has already witnessed some remarkable performances, with Gonzaga University standing out as one of the most dominant teams in the early goings. The Bulldogs, led by the ever-successful Mark Few, have been in top form, securing victories with such ease that their competition has struggled to keep up. With a staggering average margin of 32.2 points across five games, Gonzaga has not only been winning but winning impressively. From a huge 38-point blowout over Baylor in the season opener to a more recent 43-point victory against Long Beach State, Gonzaga has sent a clear message to its rivals: they’re here to contend for the national title.
This dominance extends far beyond the victories themselves. It speaks to the well-roundedness of the squad, the sharp execution of their game plan, and the versatility of the players who make up this year’s roster. Graham Ike, a formidable 6-foot-9, 250-pound forward, has been leading the charge with an average of 14.6 points and 6.2 rebounds per game. His presence on the court provides the Bulldogs with the physicality to match any opponent. Complementing him is Khalif Battle, a 6-foot-5 guard whose scoring ability is just as integral to Gonzaga’s success. With 14.4 points and 4.4 rebounds per game, Battle has proven to be a key figure in a high-scoring team that thrives on offense.
Yet, it’s not just about the forwards for Gonzaga. Their backcourt has been just as effective, with senior point guard Ryan Nembhard and senior off-guard Nolan Hickman contributing double-figure points. Nembhard, in particular, has been a floor general, averaging 12.2 points per game while orchestrating the Bulldogs’ offense with great precision. Hickman, too, has shown his scoring ability with an average of 11.2 points per game, ensuring that Gonzaga’s offensive attack is balanced and potent from all areas of the court.
In addition to the scoring leaders, Michael Ajayi, another senior guard, provides a stabilizing presence for the Bulldogs, contributing 6.6 points and 6.0 rebounds per game. His ability to both score and rebound allows Gonzaga to play a well-rounded, team-oriented style of basketball. When these players are on the court together, they form an attack that is nearly impossible to contain, capable of overwhelming any defense they face.
With these players leading the charge, Gonzaga’s wins have been nothing short of impressive. Aside from the season-opening victory over Baylor, where the Bulldogs won by 38 points, the team has also demolished UMass-Lowell by 59 points and San Diego State by 13 points. This kind of offensive explosion, coupled with their ability to shut down opposing offenses, makes Gonzaga a force to be reckoned with. The Bulldogs are not just beating their opponents—they are making a statement each time they step on the court. Their games aren’t just wins; they’re comprehensive, resounding declarations of their ability to dominate both ends of the floor.
But as much as Gonzaga has been impressive, the upcoming match-up in the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament will be an important test. The Mountaineers of West Virginia are scheduled to face Gonzaga in the early game of the Wednesday afternoon slate of the tournament, which begins on November 27. This event, taking place at the picturesque Paradise Island in the Bahamas, is set to be a spectacle. The Battle 4 Atlantis is known for its high-level competition, and this year’s edition is no exception, featuring top-ranked teams such as Gonzaga, West Virginia, and others vying for supremacy.
The Mountaineers are coming off a strong performance of their own, having secured an 86-43 win over Iona. West Virginia’s offense has been led by senior guard Javon Small, who has averaged 15.5 points per game. Small, along with fellow guards like Tucker DeVries and Sencire Harris, will be expected to challenge Gonzaga’s defense with their scoring and playmaking abilities. DeVries, a 6-foot-7 senior, has been one of the team’s primary offensive weapons, averaging 13.5 points per game. His height and skill set make him a difficult match-up for any defender, and he will likely be tasked with guarding some of Gonzaga’s key players.
Despite this, West Virginia’s task is an uphill one. Gonzaga’s offense is an avalanche that can overwhelm even the most stout defenses. The Bulldogs’ ability to score quickly in transition, paired with their proficiency in half-court sets, makes them extremely difficult to stop. West Virginia coach Darian DeVries has acknowledged that midseason tournaments such as the Battle 4 Atlantis offer valuable learning opportunities. The three-day, 12-game format of the tournament allows teams to experience a condensed, high-pressure schedule similar to what they will face in March during postseason play. This will undoubtedly serve as a litmus test for both teams, as they look to sharpen their skills before the grind of conference play and, eventually, the NCAA Tournament.
For West Virginia, their strategy will need to focus on slowing Gonzaga’s tempo, limiting their fast-break opportunities, and making sure to contest every shot. The Mountaineers’ size in the frontcourt, with players like Amani Hansberry, a 6-foot-8 sophomore who averages 9.3 points and 7.5 rebounds per game, will be important in neutralizing the rebounding advantage that Gonzaga often holds over its opponents. Meanwhile, West Virginia’s guards, including Small and DeVries, will need to score efficiently and force Gonzaga to adjust defensively.
The history between the two teams only adds intrigue to this match-up. Over the years, Gonzaga and West Virginia have met on several occasions, most notably in NCAA Tournament games. The Bulldogs have won four of the five encounters, including a hard-fought 61-58 victory in the Sweet 16 of the 2015 NCAA Tournament. This year, however, the Mountaineers are looking to avenge past losses and prove themselves against one of the most consistently elite programs in college basketball.
In addition to the on-court battle, the atmosphere of the Battle 4 Atlantis will also play a role in the game’s dynamics. Playing in the Bahamas on a neutral court removes the home-court advantage that often plays a significant role in college basketball games. With teams from across the country coming together in this tropical paradise, the stage is set for intense competition, and the winner of this clash will not only gain a boost in the rankings but will also build momentum heading into the rest of the season.
Gonzaga enters the tournament as the third-ranked team in the country, and their early-season performances suggest they are more than capable of handling the pressure of high-stakes games. The Bulldogs are known for their ability to perform in midseason tournaments, and with a deep roster full of talent and experience, they will be one of the favorites to claim the Battle 4 Atlantis title. However, West Virginia and the other teams in the tournament will undoubtedly provide stiff competition, with each game offering a new challenge and a new opportunity to prove themselves.
As the season progresses, it’s clear that Gonzaga is a team to watch. With their potent offense, balanced attack, and strong leadership, they have the makings of a national championship contender. The Bulldogs will need to continue refining their game, especially on the defensive end, but if their early-season form is any indication, they will be a tough out for any team they face. With their eyes set on another deep tournament run, Gonzaga’s performance in the Battle 4 Atlantis will be a key moment in shaping the rest of their season. How they fare in this high-profile tournament could set the tone for their march towards March Madness.
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