Zags cruise to exhibition win

SPOKANE — In his collegiate debut, Anton Watson led Gonzaga with 28 points on 12-of-13 shooting from the field as the Bulldogs eased to a 116-61 exhibition win over Lewis-Clark State in the McCarthey Athletic Center on Friday.

Watson, a former Coeur d’Alene resident and Gonzaga Prep standout, grabbed nine rebounds, and had five assists and three steals.

The Zags made 67.6 percent of their shots from the field, and outscored LCSC in the paint, 74-12. On the defensive side, GU forced 24 turnovers and finished with 18 steals. The Bulldogs outrebounded L-C State, 44-29.

Fellow freshman Drew Timme added 18 points, nine rebounds and four blocks. He was 9 of 10 from the field.

The Zags’ Filip Petrusev scored 22 points, Joel Ayayi had 12 points and Corey Kispert chipped in 10. Graduate transfers Admon Gilder and Ryan Woolridge both scored 11 points. Ayayi dished out five assists and made four steals.

With the score tied 11-11 at the 16:16 mark of the first half, GU went on a 28-2 run over the next six minutes. The Bulldogs led 65-29 at halftime.

Travis Yenor led Lewis-Clark State (3-0) with 13 points. Hodges Bailey added 11 points for the Warriors. The game was also an exhibition for LCSC.

Gonzaga opens its regular season schedule against Alabama State on Tuesday at 5 p.m.

- Earlier Friday, the Zags announced freshman guard Brock Ravet decided to take an indefinite leave from the program for personal reasons.

“We’re 100 percent supportive of Brock’s decision and we want the best for him,” Gonzaga coach Mark Few said. “We’re doing everything we can to support him.”