This was not pretty.
But saying “a win is a win” doesn’t quite apply – getting a 68-64 win against #9 Baylor is a huge boost for a team that has struggled thus far this season heading into conference play.
There was consistent energy and strong execution. Most importantly, even with Steven Gray (injury) and Elias Harris (fouled out) out of the game the entire team stepped up to pull out a somewhat sloppy affair that was almost marred by refs.
Robert Sacre stepped up the most, looking far more decisive than he’s been all season (or ever?) than he’s been all season. With Gray and Harris out, Sacre stood out, calling for the ball and establishing position in the post as well as he ever has. He finished with 17 points and 6 rebounds.
While starting point guard Demetri Goodson struggled with eight turnovers, Marquise Carter was huge down the stretch, going 7-for-8 from the free throw line and hitting two 3-pointers and finished with 13 points.
The win not only represents a quality victory for Gonzaga’s tournament chances in March, but a sign of effort and mental toughness that should instill a confidence in the team and who they are that was noticeably lacking prior to this afternoon.