Jags, Zags open regular season

Gonzaga opens the men’s basketball regular season against Southern on Friday night at the McCarthey Athletic Center – or, as Bulldogs center Robert Sacre says, “it’s the Jags vs. the Zags.”

Sacre is quite familiar with the Southern Jaguars. His father, Greg LaFleur, has been Southern’s athletic director since 2005. LaFleur played tight end in the NFL from 1981-86.

“My dad and my mom will be attending the game,” Sacre said. “It’ll be fun. I’m just happy to be playing our first game more than it being Southern.”

Southern (5-25 overall) placed ninth in the 10-team Southwestern Athletic Conference with a 3-15 record last season. The Jaguars, who visit Washington State on Saturday, were picked to finish ninth in the SWAC preseason coaches poll.