There might be two ways to look at Gonzaga's 90-58 win against Southern Oregon last night.
On the one hand, it's an exhibition and the most you can do is look for chemistry and perhaps how well conditioned players are, as described by Zach Bell of the Slipper Still Fits.
The Slipper Still Fits - For Gonzaga Bulldogs Fans
The first thing that jumped out to me was the frontcourt. I don't really care to discuss their post moves and interior scoring because Southern Oregon was obviously outmatched but I absolutely love their ability to run the court. Kelly Olynyk and Sam Dower have built a great chemistry on the court and I hope they see a lot of time together. Both can run, both showed confidence passing in traffic, and they can really stretch the court.
On the other hand, an old problem was present during the game that Mark Few would undoubtedly like to fix: Gonzaga finished with 17 turnovers, including 12 in the first half.
Five reach double figures in GU win - Jim Meehan
GU was turnover-free most of the second half before finishing with four turnovers in the final six minutes. It hardly mattered on the scoreboard as the Bulldogs overwhelmed the NAIA visitors from Ashland. GU led 44-24 at intermission and by as many as 39 in the second half."He (head coach Mark Few) just flat-out told us (at half) we can’t turn the ball over like that," senior guard Steven Gray said. "We have to clean things up with our feet and not force passes into the post. Just make simpler plays."
First game jitters and playing without star Elias Harris could certainly have contributed to the turnover problem, but the source of the turnovers - forcing passes into the post, positioning - are things that Few is likely to want to improve before their non-conference schedule begins. Turnovers were their biggest statistical weakness during non-conference play last season, so it's definitely something to keep an eye on as they transition to a new starting point guard.