Harris expected to play

Sophomore forward Elias Harris had another MRI on his right Achilles tendon and for the second time in two weeks, it revealed no tear, according to a Gonzaga press release.

Harris hurt his Achilles late in the Zags’ loss to San Diego State on Nov. 16. After an MRI showed there was no tear, Harris returned to play against Kansas State and Marquette at the CBE Classic before Thanksgiving in Kansas City.

Harris scored a season-high 19 points against Marquette, but his Achilles flared up again after the Bulldogs returned to Spokane.

He sat out two practices and was a spectator for Gonzaga’s victory over Eastern Washington on Tuesday.

An MRI on Wednesday revealed no tear. Harris was at Thursday’s practice and he’s expected to see playing time against Illinois on Saturday in the Battle in Seattle.

Harris is averaging 9.2 points and 4.2 rebounds. Harris and senior guard Steven Gray are on the Top 50 preseason watch list for the Wooden Award.

Jim Meehan