Freshman guard Kyle Dranginis, who was averaging less than 15 minutes and 2.67 points per game, exploded for 30 to lead the 7=0 Bulldogs to a 104-57 trouncing of Lewis-Clark State, hitting 12 of 16 shots from the field, including four threes.The 6'5" Dranginis, who logged more court time than any of his teammates with 34 minutes, wasn't exactly hogging the ball, either, as five of his teammates also scored in double figures. Dranginis distributed seven assists and helped out on the boards, pulling in six rebounds.
Gonzaga, ranked 12th nationally, scored in triple figures for the second time this season. The Bulldogs displayed masterful marksmanship, shooting an incredible 64% (43-for-67)for the game while limiting the visiting Warriors to a mere 37%. They lead the nation in field goal percentage at 54% and are 8th overall in scoring, averaging 85.3 points per game.
Elsewhere, #8 Kentucky was treated rudely by their Notre Dame hosts, as the Fighting Irish posted a 64-50 victory over the Wildcats, one of two wins by the Big East in the opening night of the Big East - SEC Challenge. St. John's got the other Big East win, dumping South Carolina, 89-65. Florida and LSU were winners for the SEC.
The inter-conference showcase continues Friday with four more games, including Tennessee at Georgetown and Arkansas hosting the #6 Syracuse Orange.
