Gonzaga Faces LSU’s Size and Experience in Spokane

Gonzaga and LSU meet for the first time on November 14 at Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena, with both teams unbeaten. The Bulldogs are 2-0 and ranked No. 14; the Tigers are 3-0 after winning their first three games by 43, 41 and 40 points. Those victories came against New Orleans, Texas Southern and Louisiana Tech, teams ranked outside the top 250 in KenPom.

LSU’s backcourt includes Donovan Dent and Skyy Clark, who played together at UCLA last season. Dent has recorded 25 assists, 10 steals and seven blocks against three turnovers in the Tigers’ first three games. Clark is averaging 4.3 points and 3.3 rebounds, while shooting 1-for-16 from three-point range. LSU also has wing Abdi Bashir Jr., who is making nearly 38% of his three-point attempts while taking 9.7 per game.

The Tigers’ frontcourt pairs Kentucky transfer Mo Dioubate with international players including 7-foot Croatian freshman Michzel Ruzic and Senegalese forward Saliou Niang. Ruzic is averaging 15.7 points and 7.3 rebounds, and Niang has posted two double-doubles in three games. French big man Brice Dessert completes the group.

Gonzaga will count on Massamba Diop, Braden Huff and Izan Almansa against LSU’s size. Almansa missed Gonzaga’s home opener with a calf injury, and his availability for the matchup could matter to the Bulldogs’ rebounding. The game is scheduled to tip off at 12:30 p.m. Pacific time and will air on USA Network. Gonzaga coach Mark Few previously faced LSU coach Will Wade in the 2024 NCAA Tournament, when Gonzaga beat Wade’s McNeese team.