Bulldogs open Southern style
‘Jags vs. Zags’ matches Sacres on opposite sides
Gonzaga opens the men’s basketball regular season against Southern University tonight 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.
After tonight’s game, Gonzaga entertains Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) at 1 p.m. Sunday and 25th-ranked San Diego State visits at 8 p.m. Tuesday.
“We’re working through things,” Gonzaga head coach Mark Few said. “We’re not quite where I’d like to see us, but the games are upon us.”
Few said earlier this week that he anticipates sophomore forward Elias Harris, who sat out the exhibition game with a shoulder injury, will play tonight.