SPOKANE, Wash. — Ben Gregg had a career-high 22 points, Graham Ike scored 15 of his 19 points during a big first half, and No. 24 Gonzaga beat San Diego 101-74 on Saturday night.
Ike and Nolan Hickman sparked a 55-point first half from the Zags (11-4, 2-0 WCC) and the contributions from Gregg allowed most of Gonzaga’s starters to call it an early night against the short-handed Toreros.
Ike was 8 of 12 shooting, grabbed eight rebounds and played just 21 minutes. Hickman also scored 15 points in the first half and finished with 17, including three 3-pointers.
Gregg’s previous career-high was 18 points, accomplished twice and the last time coming against San Diego last season. Ryan Nembhard added 18 points and the Zags shot 43.5% on 3-pointers.
Gonzaga was terrific in the first 20 minutes and led 55-35 at halftime. The Zags shot 60% in the first half, made 5 of 11 3-pointers and turned 13 San Diego turnovers into 19 points in building the big early lead. The Zags started 10 of 14 from the field to begin the game, then relied on Ike for 11 straight points later in the half to take a 45-29 lead.
The 55 points for Gonzaga was the second-highest total this season in the first half against a Division I opponent. The Zags scored 59 points in the first half against Arkansas-Pine Bluff and had 63 against NAIA school Eastern Oregon in early November.
Deuce Turner led San Diego with 24 points, but the Toreros dressed just 10 players and were without second-leading scorer Wayne McKinney III after suffering a leg injury in Thursday’s loss to Saint Mary’s.
Kevin Patton Jr. added 16 points and Steven Jamerson II had 13 points and nine rebounds for San Diego.
The Zags play three straight games on the road beginning Thursday at Santa Clara.
