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Gonzaga finally solves Purdue as Davis Fogle delivers breakout opening-night performance
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- Gonzaga finally solves Purdue as Davis Fogle delivers breakout opening-night performance
Gonzaga finally solves Purdue as Davis Fogle delivers breakout opening-night performance originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
Gonzaga had encountered Purdue five times in men's college basketball history. The Bulldogs had lost every meeting. That streak finally ended Monday night.
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No. 15 Gonzaga defeated Purdue 78-72 in Las Vegas, opening the season with an important victory over a familiar opponent.
Davis Fogle scored 22 points, while Xaivian Lee added 18. The result gave Gonzaga its first victory against the Boilermakers and extended the program's streak of season-opening wins to 23.
Fogle delivered when Gonzaga needed him
Fogle entered the season with increased expectations after showing significant potential. Against Purdue, he demonstrated that he can handle important offensive responsibilities.
The guard scored 22 points, making nine of 10 free throws.
He did not shoot particularly efficiently from the field, finishing 6-for-18. But his ability to reach the free-throw line helped Gonzaga maintain control.
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Purdue reduced the deficit to 68-66 with just over three minutes remaining. Fogle answered with a layup, preventing the Boilermakers from completing the comeback.
Gonzaga's new core showed Promise
Lee contributed 18 points in his Gonzaga debut after transferring from Florida. Izan Almansa added 11 points, while Braden Huff scored 10 and collected seven rebounds.
Those four players combined for 61 of Gonzaga's 78 points. That production provides an encouraging foundation for Mark Few.
The Bulldogs entered the season with questions about how their roster would function after personnel changes. Monday offered evidence that the new group can compete against quality opponents.
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Purdue found a bright spot
The Boilermakers lost despite a strong performance from Daniel Jacobsen. He scored 22 points on 9-for-11 shooting and added seven rebounds. His production was particularly encouraging for a Purdue team replacing several important contributors.
But Gonzaga maintained enough offensive balance to prevent Purdue from taking control. The Bulldogs led 36-33 at halftime and never trailed during the second half.
Purdue missed four of its final five shots, allowing Gonzaga to protect the lead.
MORE: UConn may have found its next breakout star in freshman Colben Landrew
A meaningful first step
The victory does not guarantee Gonzaga another deep NCAA Tournament run. But it provides a strong early indication of the team's potential.
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The Bulldogs defeated a quality opponent, ended a frustrating historical streak and received meaningful contributions from several important players.
For Few, that is an encouraging beginning. For Fogle, it was an opportunity to demonstrate that he can become one of Gonzaga's most important offensive players.
Monday's performance suggested that he is ready for the challenge.
