A Look at Gonzaga’s Nonconference Schedule: Part 2

A Look at Gonzaga’s Nonconference Schedule: Part 2

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.

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.