Gonzaga Falls to Arkansas 76-72 in Preseason Matchup
Huff finishes with 19 points, 11 rebounds, but it was not enough to overcome a blistering shooting night from Arkansas
On October 24, 2026, in Fayetteville, Arkansas, Arkansas Razorbacks claimed a narrow 76-72 victory over the Gonzaga Bulldogs in a preseason matchup that proved more chaotic than instructive. The final outcome underscores the challenges Gonzaga faces without its most versatile scorer, Davis Fogle, who sat out due to a leg injury.
The Zags were left to manage with a roster that included forward Miikka Muurinen and the still-ineligible Chauncey Wiggins, while the remaining players grappled with transition in the absence of Fogle's dynamic playmaking.
Bradenn Huff emerged as the Zags' lone bright spot, punctuating his performance with 19 points, 11 rebounds, and three assists in 31 minutes of play. His poise and leadership proved critical when Arkansas stormed ahead, as Huff repeatedly stepped up to drag the team back within reach of the Razorbacks. Izan Almansa, the Zags' leading scorer, also delivered a strong effort, tallying 14 points on six rebounds while displaying sharp defensive instincts and minimal foul trouble.
His all-around performance suggests he could fundamentally shift the Zags' frontcourt dynamic by December, making him a key player to watch.
However, the Zags' resilience masked deeper issues, particularly on the offensive end. Despite Almansa's contributions, the team's shooting percentages fell short, as evidenced by their 15-of-37 field goal attempt and 2-of-14 three-point shooting from the opening to the end of the first half. Meanwhile, Arkansas' shooting from behind the arc was noticeably robust, connecting on five of ten attempts.
The second half of the game only deepened these concerns, as the Zags' 13 fouls to Arkansas' five indicated a troubling pattern of reluctance to defend effectively, leading to additional possessions for the Razorbacks.
In short, while the Zags showcased flashes of resilience and defensive tenacity, they failed to translate their effort into a competitive advantage against a Razorbacks team that continued to find ways to hit critical shots. The loss, while not consequential for either team's standings, will provide Gonzaga with ample material to dissect and improve upon before the regular season begins.
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