At the half, GU has the slimmest of leads
GONZAGA, 21-20
Neither team really did what it wanted in the first half – but that's the beauty of basketball, even this game.
Ya, the score isn't what, as fans, we would like. But still, the Zags' defense has been fun to watch – other than the close outs on Greg Paulus, who has eight.
But, despite an 8 minute stretch without a basket, Duke puts together a 10-0 run late in the half to take the lead – until Raivio grabbed it back with a 15-footer from the free-throw line.
The good news for GU in the first half?
- Kuso gave them the spark they needed off the bench. He grabbed rebounds (six), scored inside (with a team-high eight) and blocked shots (five).
- The Zags lead despite Heytvelt and Bouldin barely playing, both getting hit with two fouls early.
- The same can be said about Raivio not scoring. Despite his two points, GU still has an edge. That's what defense can do for you.
But there was bad news.
- The Zags are still struggling on the boards. The Blue Devils are getting too many second chances - they lead the rebound battle 25-20. Duke is only shooting 23 percent from the floor, but the Devils have more chances.
- They aren't finishing, but a lot of that can be attributed to the physical nature of the game. Still, they have to cash in their opportunities. GU is shooting just 35 percent itself, only one of five beyond the arc.
Final thought: GU shot one free throw in the first half.