Gonzaga transfer guard Xaivian Lee makes instant impact in first game | Three takeaways
Nov. 2—LAS VEGAS — Three takeaways at the buzzer from No. 15 Gonzaga's 78-72 win over Purdue in the season opener Monday at T-Mobile Arena. Lee shines in first GU game Xaivian Lee made a big impact in his first game in a Zag uniform. The Zags' starting point guard had a perfect shooting night going before missing a free throw with 10:13 remaining. Until that miss, he was 4 of 4 from the field, ...
Three key takeaways from Gonzaga's 78-72 season opener win against Purdue:
Firstly, Xaivian Lee made a significant impact in his debut for the Zags. The transfer from Florida and Princeton hit three three-pointers, including the game-winning shot, and made all four of his free throws. Lee came into the game after initially struggling to score before the halftime break. His contributions were crucial as he helped Gonzaga secure a critical lead with just 14:52 left on the clock.
Secondly, Braden Huff's return from injury proved to be bittersweet. Huff, sidelined since January 2021 due to a dislocated kneecap, struggled to find his usual form off the bench. Despite his absence, Caden Pierce stepped up, contributing seven points and six rebounds to bolster the Zags' effort.
Lastly, newcomer Massamba Diop made a notable debut for the team. The Arizona State transfer, standing at 7'1", scored the game's first points with a three-pointer and followed it up with a dunk. However, Diop's performance was hampered by several turnovers and fouls, leading to his substitution. Despite his limited time on the court, Diop's debut marked a promising start to his Gonzaga career.
Written by urgent.news from Yahoo Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.