Gonzaga Basketball

Gonzaga athletic director Chris Standiford met with Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark to discuss potentially joining the conference, according to ESPN's Pete Thamel.

"Sources indicate that Gonzaga has been exploring its conference options, as it has emerged as one of the premier basketball programs in the entire country," per Thamel. "Both the Pac-12 and Big East have been engaged with Gonzaga, according to sources, but the extent of those conversations are uncertain."

Dana O'Neil of The Athletic provided additional context:

Industry source confirms this report and says that the conversations are "real, but exploratory.'' That there is no timeline and that other leagues also have reached out to Gonzaga. Indications are that Zags would go for all sports, not just hoops. https://t.co/sFpv9HggKT

— Dana O'Neil (@DanaONeilWriter) November 2, 2022

Football has been the primary driver behind realignment over the years because it's the sport with the highest revenues. Targeting Gonzaga is about landing a premier basketball school since the Bulldogs don't sponsor football.

In the case of the Big 12, getting the Bulldogs would mean becoming arguably the deepest conference in men's basketball.

If Gonzaga joined the Big 12, it would mean the league would have the teams that finished No. 1, 2, 3 and 4 in KenPom in 2022.

— Shehan Jeyarajah (@ShehanJeyarajah) November 2, 2022

This would be a symbolic victory over the Pac-12 as well, since Spokane, Washington, is firmly within the Pac-12's geographic footprint.

https://twitter.com/A_G_Haubner/status/1587917675094634496

The Big 12 is going to lose its two biggest schools, Oklahoma and Texas, when they join the SEC by 2025 at the latest. The conference pivoted by adding BYU, Cincinnati, Houston and UCF.

Yormark hinted in July that more expansion might be on the horizon following a report of the Big 12 possibly raiding some of the Pac-12's best remaining members.

"We are exploring all options and we are open for business," he told reporters. "I think it's fair to say I've received a lot of phone calls, a lot of interest. Nothing is imminent."

While the Big 12 finalized further expansion plans, it answered another big question when it secured its media rights.

Sports Business Journal's Michael Smith and John Ourand reported Sunday the Big 12 completed deals with ESPN and Fox Sports worth $2.2 billion over six years. According to The Athletic's Max Olson and Matt Fortuna, the contracts would include a pro rata clause were the conference to grow further.

Thamel noted it's unclear how much television money Gonzaga would receive since it doesn't have a football team. The annual earnings would surely be far more than the Zags are currently getting from the West Coast Conference, though.

Kentucky and Gonzaga may be setting the stage for college basketball's next great non-conference rivalry.

The powerhouses announced plans for a six-year series beginning with the 2022-23 campaign.

Kentucky-Gonzaga ✖️6️⃣

The six-year series begins this year in Spokane and will include two games at Rupp Arena. pic.twitter.com/doGWVMwRzx

— Kentucky Men’s Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) October 6, 2022

The series will feature each school hosting two games, along with a pair of neutral site contests.

Kentucky and Gonzaga have only played one previous time, with the Wildcats earning an 80-72 win at the 2002 Maui Invitational.

In 2021, Gonzaga coach Mark Few pointed out that Kentucky and Duke had never made the trip to Spokane, Washington—a move that may have sparked the agreement between the two schools.

"We've had everybody come up here. There are only about two left that we haven't had that we need to get up here at some point," Few said. "Probably Kentucky and Duke and then we'll have the whole market cornered. We've been very fortunate to have the people come up here and play us."

Once derided for playing a weak schedule relative to teams in top conferences, Gonzaga has made difficult non-conference games an emphasis in recent years. The Bulldogs played games against Texas, Duke, UCLA, Alabama and Texas Tech before starting their WCC schedule last season.

This year's Gonzaga team is loaded with veteran talent, with All-American Drew Timme back to lead the charge along with Rasir Bolton and Julian Strawther on the perimeter.

Kentucky will bring back National Player of the Year Oscar Tshiebwe, with his matchup against Timme being one of the most anticipated head-to-heads this season.

Two of the top programs in men's college basketball will face off in a home-and-home series across the upcoming two seasons.

The Kentucky Wildcats will travel to the Gonzaga Bulldogs for a Nov. 20 showdown, and the Bulldogs will complete the return trip to face the Wildcats on the road in 2023, as Kyle Tucker and Dana O'Neil of The Athletic relayed Tuesday.

Tucker and O'Neil noted Gonzaga head coach Mark Few called in to a telethon that Wildcats head coach John Calipari was participating in to raise money for those impacted by flooding in Kentucky and revealed the news.

While Kentucky and Gonzaga have played just once—a Wildcats win in 2002—the two coaches are friends and faced each other four times when Calipari was with Memphis.

"For us, Drew [Timme], Julian [Strawther], Rasir [Bolton], they all made the decision to come back," Few said. "These are the kinds of games they want to play in, so why not? It's fun for them. It's great for the sport. There are a thousand positives, and no negatives."

Marquee nonconference games are nothing new for Gonzaga, which attempts to build a strong resume before its slate is watered down by West Coast Conference play.

The Bulldogs next season will also play Michigan State, Texas, Baylor and Alabama and will participate in the PK85 tournament in a bracket that features Duke, Florida, Purdue and West Virginia, per Tucker and O'Neil.

The Wildcats will face Michigan State, Michigan, UCLA, Louisville and Kansas too.

The November showdown figures to be one of the best in college basketball during the upcoming season.

After all, Gonzaga checked in at No. 2 and Kentucky No. 4 in ESPN's Jeff Borzello's Top 25 rankings July 26. There will be no shortage of star power with Timme, Strawther and Bolton on the Bulldogs side and Oscar Tshiebwe leading the way for the Wildcats.

Kentucky will be looking to bounce back from its shocking first-round NCAA tournament loss to Saint Peter's, and a Top Five win early in the season would be a great way to do just that.

Gonzaga also lost earlier than expected in the tournament. The No. 1 overall seed reached the Sweet 16 but fell to Arkansas.

The Gonzaga and Michigan State men's basketball teams will face off on the USS Abraham Lincoln in Coronado, California, on Nov. 11 as part of ESPN's Armed Forces Classic, according to the Associated Press.

It will be the first game on an aircraft carrier since 2012.

Michigan State played on the USS Carl Vinson in the 2011 Carrier Classic, losing 67-55 against North Carolina. Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo called it "one of the most humbling experiences of my career."

"Obviously, we wanted to win and any game against a program like that is very special, but to me, the game was about so much more than just a win or a loss," he added in a statement.

"This opportunity to play on an aircraft carrier in front of men and women who serve in the military and are willing to put their lives on the line is an experience that is going to mean something to the young men who will play in the game for a long, long time. I said it last time and I'll say it again, we're going to play one of the best teams in the country and we're going to be hosted by the No. 1 team in the world."

The matchup with Gonzaga will be part of a tough stretch for the Spartans:

Michigan State's November Slate:

Gonzaga (SD)
Kentucky (Champions Classic)
Villanova (Gavitt Games)
PK85 (UNC, Portland, UConn, Nova, Bama, Oregon, Iowa St)
At ND (ACC/Big Ten)

"My advice to you is to start drinking heavily." - John Belushi as Bluto in Animal House, circa 1978 https://t.co/BjpLTh9c8S

— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) July 13, 2022

Bulldogs head coach Mark Few shared a similar sentiment to Izzo's about playing on the USS Abraham Lincoln on Veterans Day.

"This is a special opportunity for our program to support those who fight for our country in our own small way," he said in a statement. "We're excited to face an incredible program in Michigan State and a great colleague in Coach Izzo. I'm sure this will be a great memory for all of us."

In 2012, a number of games scheduled for aircraft carriers were affected by rain, wind or condensation on the court, causing delays or cancellations and impacting the quality of play. That could be an issue a decade later, though vice president of ESPN Events Clint Overby said plans would be in place in the event Mother Nature doesn't cooperate.

Bad weather or not, it promises to be a unique event.

"Those who serve, and who have served, know that the military is the ultimate team sport," Vice Adm. Kenneth Whitesell, a commander in the Naval Air Forces, told Kirk Kenney of the San Diego Union-Tribune. "I can think of no better way to salute our men and women in uniform than to celebrate this all-American pastime together on one of our nation's capital warships."

Chet Holmgren remains in contention to be the No. 1 pick of the 2022 NBA draft for the Orlando Magic, but he and his agent, Bill Duffy, reportedly would prefer to go No. 2 to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Ryen Russilo provided the latest intel on his podcast (h/t Cody Taylor of The Rookie Wire):

"I've been told this is where Duffy and Chet want to go. They want to go to Oklahoma City because … [of] the opportunities and he has way more freedom because of the roster in front of him than maybe he would in Orlando. … That’s the preference that I’ve heard, and it makes a lot of sense from a basketball standpoint of being brought along but also getting more opportunities."

Holmgren still reportedly met with the Magic front office on Wednesday and Thursday last week, according to Taylor.

Jabari Smith, Paolo Banchero and Holmgren are considered the top three prospects in the class and will likely land among the Magic, Thunder or the Houston Rockets at No. 3, barring a trade.

Holmgren remains an intriguing prospect because of his versatility at 7'0". The center was a star defensively for Gonzaga, averaging 3.7 blocks and 9.9 rebounds per game, but his offensive game is also exciting with 14.1 points per game and a 39.0 three-point percentage.

The two-way ability would be a huge boost for the Thunder, which finished 24-58 last season and are still developing their core for a rebuild.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a clear go-to option and Josh Giddey showed potential last year, but there are few long-term commitments on the roster and no proven options in the frontcourt. Holmgren could easily step into the lineup and see a massive role in his first season in Oklahoma City.

The role wouldn't be as clear with Orlando, with center Wendell Carter Jr. and forward Jonathan Isaac both under contract for at least three more years (though Isaac's contract is only partially guaranteed).

There are also several ball-dominant guards on the roster in Cole Anthony, Jalen Suggs and Markelle Fultz. Adding Franz Wagner, there could be limited touches to go around.

While any No. 1 pick would certainly get playing time, the path to stardom might be more difficult in Orlando.

Gonzaga forward Drew Timme has decided to forgo the 2022 NBA draft and return to the Bulldogs for his senior season, according to The Athletic and Stadium's Shams Charania.

Timme confirmed the news on Twitter.

I’m back

— drew timme (@drewtimme2) June 2, 2022

The 21-year-old initially declared for the draft in April, writing that his "dream has always been to play professionally." It's unclear why he decided to change his mind and return to Gonzaga.

Timme averaged 15.7 points and 6.4 rebounds in his first three seasons with the Bulldogs, shooting 61.9 percent from the field for his college career. But the modern NBA has moved away from centers whose primary value comes from scoring in the post. Even great scorers at the position like Joel Embiid (elite rim-protector) and Nikola Jokic (visionary facilitator) offer other valuable skills.

Given that Timme seemed unlikely ever to develop into a top-notch rim-protector and will be undersized (6'9") at the position, NBA teams likely wanted to see if he could add a perimeter jumper to his repertoire and operate as a stretch 5 in the modern floor-spacing game.

He gave scouts a hint that such development might be possible in the Friday scrimmage at the NBA combine, hitting four threes in five attempts. That will be his swing skill at the next level—if he can continue to develop it during his senior season at Gonzaga, Timme will offer enough offensively for teams to potentially overlook his defensive deficiencies come 2023.

Potential No. 1 overall pick Chet Holmgren has declared for the 2022 NBA draft.

"After a season where we accomplished a lot of great things as both a team and an individual, I feel like I'm in a position to be able to chase my lifelong dream to play in the NBA," Holmgren told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

The Gonzaga star entered college as the No. 1 player in the 2021 recruiting class, per 247Sports' composite rankings, and he did not disappoint upon arrival.

Holmgren averaged 14.1 points per game as a freshman, shooting an incredible 60.7 percent from the field and 39.0 percent from three-point range. He showcased an impressive skill set that featured the ability to hit an outside shot, finish in the post or create his own look from anywhere on the court.

Chet Holmgren put up a RIDICULOUS stat line tonight 🤯

🔥 20 PTS
🔥 17 REB
🔥 6 AST
🔥 5 BLK pic.twitter.com/R5rsV2lrQb

— ESPN (@espn) February 6, 2022

The NBA wants big men who can shoot threes, but few players this size have as versatile a repertoire as Holmgren. 

On the defensive end, the 7'0" center was arguably more impressive with averages of 9.9 rebounds and 3.7 blocks per game. In the first round of the NCAA tournament, Holmgren had 19 points, 17 rebounds, seven blocks and two steals in an all-around dominant game.

His athleticism and natural timing make him an elite rim-protector who can impact nearly every possession.

NBA scouts may have some concern about his strength, especially after much of his success came against lesser competition in the West Coast Conference. Gonzaga struggled against more athletic teams in the postseason and eventually lost in the Sweet 16 to Arkansas. 

This class is also loaded at the top with high-upside talents Paolo Banchero and Jabari Smith challenging to be the first overall pick. 

Holmgren is still primed for success as he prepares himself for the next stage of his career.

Gonzaga junior forward Drew Timme has declared for the 2022 NBA draft, he announced Thursday. 

His decision comes after three impressive seasons for the Bulldogs, who he helped reach the NCAA tournament in each of his three years, including the 2021 title game. 

pic.twitter.com/h0sKEKE3qe

— drew timme (@drewtimme2) April 7, 2022

Timme's junior season was one of his most impressive. He averaged 18.4 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.8 assists while shooting 58.6 percent from the floor in 32 games. 

The 21-year-old helped the Bulldogs reach the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament and was one of their best players in a 74-68 loss to fourth-seeded Arkansas. He recorded a game-high 25 points on nine of 19 shooting and seven rebounds. 

Timme was in tears as he spoke to reporters after the loss. 

"I just said that I was proud of us. I told them thanks for being my teammates," he said. "They're my brothers till the end. I wouldn't want to do that with anybody else. I couldn't be anymore proud of these guys."

Timme is not expected to be a first-round pick in the draft like his teammate Chet Holmgren, who could be the first overall selection. If he isn't selected in this year's draft and doesn't land a deal with an NBA franchise, it's possible he could return to Gonzaga for his senior season. 

The Arkansas Razorbacks are going to back-to-back Elite Eights for the first time since 1994 and 1995.

Arkansas defeated the Gonzaga Bulldogs 74-68 in Thursday's Sweet 16 showdown in the 2022 NCAA men's basketball tournament at the Chase Center in San Francisco. JD Notae, Jaylin Williams and Trey Wade led the way for the No. 4 seed in the West Region.

What a way to end the game.

Razorbacks are hyped 🔥 https://t.co/tJasIvU1l9

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 25, 2022

A solid showing from Drew Timme was not enough for the top seed, which was going for a fifth Elite Eight appearance in eight years. Chet Holmgren notched a double-double but fouled out, and Andrew Nembhard struggled shooting throughout the game.

---

Notable Player Stats

• JD Notae, G, ARK: 21 PTS, 6 REB, 6 AST, 3 STL, 2 BLK, 9-of-29 FG
• Jaylin Williams, F, ARK: 15 PTS, 12 REB, 3 AST
• Trey Wade, F, ARK: 15 PTS, 7 REB
• Drew Timme, F, GON: 25 PTS, 7 REB, 3 AST
• Chet Holmgren, C, GON: 11 PTS, 14 REB, 2 BLK

---

Arkansas Controls Game, Stuns Top Seed

Not many teams had an easier path to the Sweet 16 on paper than Arkansas with matchups against 13th-seeded Vermont and 12th-seeded New Mexico State, but it won those games by a combined nine points and trailed in the second half in each.

That didn't seem to bode well for a showdown with the top seed in the tournament, but the defense held up against Gonzaga's pace as the SEC representative took a 32-29 lead into intermission.

Every time it appeared as if the Bulldogs were going to seize control, the Razorbacks bounced back with their own run. Whether it was drawing charges, battling on the glass or forcing nine turnovers, Arkansas did many of the necessary but unheralded things to go toe-to-toe with the juggernaut in that first half.

CLUTCH.

WHAT A BLOCK https://t.co/5N1GR8lCbU

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 25, 2022

ARKANSAS RUNNING AWAY WITH IT 😳 https://t.co/6rErtx7lUA

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 25, 2022

JD Notae WHAT A SHOT. https://t.co/qH608fYpTz

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 25, 2022

Chet gets called for his 4th foul after this Toney And-1 👀 https://t.co/DVw2KV6WVM

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 25, 2022

JD Notae at the buzzer 🚨

No. 4 Arkansas takes a 32-29 lead at the half over No. 1 Gonzaga 👀 https://t.co/sM3AnGVm9n

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 25, 2022

JAYLIN WILLIAMS 💪

The Razorbacks take the lead late in the 1H https://t.co/VWEVKQOnan

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 24, 2022

Notae also had the greenest of green lights and scored 10 first-half points on 14 shots from the field with the final two coming on a coast-to-coast layup at the buzzer. He also facilitated when necessary as Williams provided secondary scoring and helped control the glass.

It was more of the same out of the locker rooms with Williams' interior defense giving Gonzaga fits and Wade emerging as another scorer all while Notae continued to fire.

Even when things could have unraveled when Williams picked up his fourth foul, he stayed in the game and drilled a monster three to extend the lead to eight. The occasional three-pointer like that from the supporting cast was critical because Notae started to force the issue at times as his efficiency became a question.

Wade must have received the memo because he also connected on a critical three-pointer to keep the Zags at bay in the final minutes.

Yet the Razorbacks fittingly put the game away with their defense as Au'Diese Toney swatted two shots in the final 30 seconds with the last one coming in dramatic fashion on a Nembhard layup attempt. It was quite the statement from the underdogs, who were in control throughout the second half and never faltered in the face of pressure.

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Holmgren's Fouls, Team's Offensive Struggles End Gonzaga's Hope

Falling this short of the program's first national championship is frankly a failure for Gonzaga.

After all, it entered the tournament as the No. 1 overall seed with plenty of star power in Timme, Holmgren and Nembhard. It also advanced to the national championship game last season only to fall just short of the title, so motivation was not a question.

Yet Gonzaga trailed at halftime with arguably the biggest one of those stars, at least from a future NBA perspective, in Holmgren scoreless with foul trouble and Nembhard an ugly 1-of-8 from the field.

Arkansas' defense deserves plenty of credit for swarming to outside shooters and cutting off driving lanes, but the No. 1 offense on KenPom.com's rankings looked nothing like itself and was relying on secondary players like Julian Strawther and Rasir Bolton for stretches.

MADNESS. https://t.co/0OQbw2CbZo

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 25, 2022

Chet Holmgren fouls out with the Zags down 6 😳 https://t.co/TlzaZXudsn

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 25, 2022

Chet with the TOUGH finish 💪 https://t.co/Oeh8pJNpfD

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 25, 2022

Drew Timme put the Razorbacks in the spin cycle 🌪 https://t.co/GtGGDwFJLD

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 24, 2022

Perhaps sensing the moment, Holmgren wasted little time making his presence felt in the second half with soft touch from beyond the arc and the mid-range. Just like that, it appeared as if the Bulldogs would come back from a halftime deficit much like they did against Memphis in the second round.

However, turnovers and missed free throws remained a problem, and things appeared particularly dire when Holmgren fouled out with more than three minutes remaining. Timme was scoring, but Nembhard's struggles were magnified by the big man's absence as the top seed's back was firmly against the wall heading into crunch time.

While a desperation three from Nembhard temporarily cut the lead to three, the Bulldogs were outplayed the entire second half. They finished just 24-of-64 (37.5 percent) from the field and 5-of-21 (23.8 percent) from deep with 15 total turnovers, which were numbers they simply couldn't overcome against quality competition.                          

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What's Next?

Arkansas advances to the Elite Eight and will face the winner of the matchup between No. 2 Duke and No. 3 Texas Tech on Saturday.

No. 1 Gonzaga is onto the Sweet 16 once again after surviving an upset bid from No. 9 Memphis in the second round of the 2022 NCAA men's basketball tournament. 

Drew Timme scored 21 of his 25 points after halftime in the 82-78 win Saturday at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon.

In a battle that exceeded nearly all expectations, Memphis utilized its athleticism to keep Gonzaga in check early. The underdogs jumped out to a 41-31 lead at halftime while holding Timme and Chet Holmgren to just six combined points.

The Bulldogs fought back in the second half, but neither side could pull away as players on each team showcased their talent:

Emoni Bates fadeaway.
Chet Holmgren dunk.

Gonzaga vs. Memphis 🍿 https://t.co/W4qq38UlAr

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 20, 2022

Even when foul trouble became a major story for Memphis, the team refused to back down. The scoring margin remained within five points for the final 16 minutes of regulation, aside from two possessions that was quickly answered.

https://twitter.com/NicoleAuerbach/status/1505390079027593217

Hell of an Elite Eight game here in the second round.

— Brian Hamilton (@_Brian_Hamilton) March 20, 2022

Gonzaga finally grabbed a bit of control in the closing minutes with its rapid pace making a difference:

What a sequence for @ZagMBB. pic.twitter.com/Zw56sBFl05

— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) March 20, 2022

The Bulldogs survived by hitting their final six free-throw attempts in the narrow win. 

They have now reached at least the second weekend in each of the last seven tournaments and remain a favorite to win it all this postseason.

Memphis was hoping to bust brackets around the country, but the Tigers fell just short despite 14 points from DeAndre Williams. 

---

Notable Performances

Drew Timme, F, GONZ: 25 points, 14 rebounds, 4 assists

Andrew Nembhard, G, GONZ: 23 points, 5 assists, 5-10 from 3

Chet Holmgren, C, GONZ: 9 points, 9 rebounds, 4 blocks

Jalen Duren, C, MEM: 7 points, 7 rebounds, 1 block

DeAndre Williams, F, MEM: 14 points, 7 rebounds

Tyler Harris, G, MEM: 13 points, 3 assists

---

Drew Timme Leads Gonzaga with 2nd-Half Takeover 

Timme had just four points in the first half as Gonzaga struggled to even get the ball in the post. It was a major reason the squad trailed by 10 with an offense that looked lost at times.

The star big man woke up in the second half, scoring the team's first 11 points out of intermission to get back into the game in impressive fashion.

DREW TIMME IS NOT GOING DOWN WITHOUT A FIGHT! 🔥

He has ALL of the Zags Second Half points😳@ZagMBB #MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/POKltKCu3U

— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 20, 2022

DREW TIMME CAN'T MISS RIGHT NOW pic.twitter.com/6HCL9RuHrO

— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) March 20, 2022

Drew Timme playing like Tim Duncan right now…with a mustache and a head band.

— Pat Welter WRAL (@PatrickWelter) March 20, 2022

Drew Timme is unstoppable right now like Scottie Pippen in NBA Live 95.

— Myron Medcalf (@MedcalfByESPN) March 20, 2022

Drew Timme is disgusting🤣

— Joel Ayayi (@joel_ayayi) March 20, 2022

The production continued as Memphis had few answers for Timme in the post, especially once Jalen Duren and DeAndre Williams each picked up four fouls.

Drew Timme is COOKING 🔥

22 PTS and counting https://t.co/xdSFXfWqWF

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 20, 2022

Timme 🏀 Chet

Get to Gonzaga vs. Memphis now: https://t.co/zOE1aXmzFY https://t.co/zsh4rqx3LK

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 20, 2022

Gonzaga still would not have won without Andrew Nembhard, who kept the Bulldogs in contention with 13 points in the first half. 

https://twitter.com/percyallen/status/1505366504753168390

The guard finished with five three-pointers and had some of the biggest shots in the game:

ANDREW NEMBHARD FOR THREEEEE

THE ZAGS ARE UP 5 WITH FOUR MINUTES LEFT 😱@ZagMBB #MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/vYuMS41Qi4

— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 20, 2022

His 6-of-7 from the free-throw line also helped ice the game.

Holmgren is the best pro prospect on the roster, but it was the upperclassmen Timme and Nembhard who carried the squad to victory. 

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Foul Trouble Silences Chet Holmgren-Jalen Duren Battle

The big story entering the game was the frontcourt battle between potential NBA lottery picks Chet Holmgren and Jalen Duren. The matchup lived up to the hype early with both players showcasing their ability.

Duren got loose a few times and had several big plays. 

Alex Lomax finds Jalen Duren for the alley-oop! 😱

Tigers tie it up against (1) Gonzaga 👀#MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/yYw99KBQuC

— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 20, 2022

Duren bodied Chet Holmgren 😳 https://t.co/aFGsocg9p8

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 20, 2022

It's hard to believe Jalen Duren is 18 years old.

He looks like an NBA-ready player now.

— Gary Horcher (@GaryKIRO7) March 20, 2022

Holmgren had some big moments as well when the two matched up in the post:

Chet Holmgren - He is up for the challenge of this Memphis frontcourt. Already has two blocks on Duren.

— Travis Green (@ItsTravisGreen) March 20, 2022

So far, Chet Holmgren has disrupted or blocked three inside attempts by #Memphis.
He appears vastly outsized by Jalen Duren, but his length and footwork are matching Duren's inside strength.#Gonzaga #MarchMadness

— Gary Horcher (@GaryKIRO7) March 20, 2022

Holmgren finished with four blocks and altered quite a few more as Memphis stayed away from the rim.

It was a fun atmosphere to see the two stars battling in the post:

During Gonzaga-Memphis it's highly entertaining to just watch Chet Holmgren and Jalen Duren go at it on every play.

— Greg Bishop (@GregBishopSI) March 20, 2022

I think this is the most aggressive I’ve seen Jalen Duren hunt his shot in the first half of a game this year. He wants this matchup against Holmgren and you can see he sees it as the chance to prove himself.

— Sam Vecenie (@Sam_Vecenie) March 20, 2022

The disappointment only came when both players dealt with foul trouble. Each sat for long stretches of the first half after picking up two fouls, combining for just six points at halftime.

Duren was then limited in the second half after picking up two more quick fouls. 

Duren picks up his fourth with 14:30 to play, two tough calls on him this half.

— S. Johnson (@StevenMJohnson_) March 20, 2022

Penny had every opportunity to get Duren out with the three fouls. I don’t get leaving him in longer than you needed to there.

— L. Jason Smith (@JasonSmith929) March 20, 2022

Second-leading scorer and fellow big man DeAndre Williams then dealt with his own foul trouble, picking up his fourth foul with more than 10 minutes remaining:

https://twitter.com/percyallen/status/1505383642670850052

Memphis fortunately stayed competitive, and Duren made a few plays late in the game. However, he finished with only seven points and seven rebounds. 

Holmgren, meanwhile, fouled out in the last minute and scored just nine points.

Fans were treated to an excellent team battle, although scouts were likely left wanting more.