PORTLAND – Malachi Smith scored 23 points to lead a balanced Gonzaga attack as the Bulldogs cruised to a 102-78 win over Portland State on Thanksgiving night in the opening round of the Phil Knight Invitational PK85 basketball tournament.
Gonzaga raced out to a 55-31 halftime lead thanks in part to hot shooting from behind the 3-point line. The Zags finished 12-of-24 from deep with Smith going 5-for-5.
Drew Timme added 18 points, Rasir Bolton had 14 and Hunter Sallis scored 12.
Jorell Saterfield led Portland State with 21 points.
The game didn’t tip off until 9:43 pm PT and ended after 11:30 pm The crowd in the Veterans Memorial Coliseum was sparse and decidedly pro Gonzaga.
No. 6 Gonzaga wants to play No. 24 Purdue (4-0) in the semifinals on Friday at 8:30 pm
