Buzzer Breakdown: Braden Huff, Graham Ike combine for 45 points in Gonzaga’s 102-72 win

Here are three observations from no. 13 Gonzaga’s 102-72 win over Nicholls State on Wednesday at the McCarthey Athletic Center.

Post-production

Graham Ike and Braden Huff combine for an average of 26 points per game. match, a number that was even higher a few weeks ago. The two posts nearly matched their average per game in the first 20 minutes against the Colonels.

Ike and the rest of the Zags got off to a slow start, but Huff was instant offense off the bench, scoring on two free throws and a basket inside. Huff finished the half with 13 points on 5-of-6 shooting from the field in 9 minutes. Ike closed the opening half strong to add 12 points and hit all five of his free throws.

Huff finished with a season-high 25 points, one shy of his career-high 26 against San Diego last season. Ike had 20 points in just 18 minutes.

Turnover problems

The Zags turned the ball over just 16 times in losses to Kentucky (six) and UConn (10). GU was not so careful with the ball against the speedy Colonels.

Gonzaga had nine turnovers in the first 20 minutes. The Zags matched their season high of 13 against West Virginia and Indiana with 11:23 left when Ryan Nembhard drove in and his pass out to the perimeter was off target.

GU cut down on the mistakes in the second half, but still lost the turnover game to Nicholls State 15-10.

Double-double machine

Nembhard had another productive night with 18 points and 10 assists. The 6-foot senior guard has a team-high five double-doubles in 11 games, Ike is second on the team with two double-doubles and Ben Gregg has his first double-double of the season with 10 points and 10 boards.

Nembhard was highly efficient, hitting 6 of 9 shots from the field, including 2 of 3 3-pointers, and all four of his free throws. He added four boards and two steals.