Gonzaga Takes Three-Point Lead Over Purdue at Halftime

Gonzaga carried a 36-33 advantage into the break against Purdue after a lively first half marked by lead changes and flashes of early-season rust. Both teams have many new players, and the matchup was being played before a crowd favoring Purdue at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Davis Fogle led Gonzaga with 11 points in 16 minutes, adding two rebounds, two assists and two steals. He scored several times near the basket, including difficult finishes around Purdue defenders, and helped the Bulldogs pull ahead late in the half.

Gonzaga also found its range from beyond the arc, making five of nine attempts. Massamba Diop hit the team’s first three-pointer and opened the scoring; Fogle and Javon Bennett also connected, while Xaivian Lee made both of his late attempts from deep.

Diop contributed five points on two-for-three shooting, two rebounds and a blocked shot. He also set up Braden Huff with a pass during a fast break. His two first-half fouls could be a factor after the interval.

Purdue’s defense was challenged by Gonzaga’s perimeter shooting and finishes around the rim. Gonzaga entered the game after making six of 28 threes against Arkansas and nine of 27 against Lewis-Clark State. The second half was scheduled to air on TNT and HBO Max.