Gonzaga Handles BYU, 59-44

Last season, the BYU Cougars had the Gonzaga Bulldogs’ number. This season has been all about the Zags, and behind stellar play from Katie Campbell and Jill Townsend, Gonzaga defeated BYU for the second time this season, 59-44.

Campbell was the star of the show on both ends of the court for much of the game. She was aggressive in finding her shot, finishing with 17 points off 7-of-10 shooting. On the defensive side, she managed to pick up five steals. Unfortunately, Campbell left the game with a knee injury midway through the fourth quarter. She wasn’t putting any weight on her injured leg. All we can hope for is the best.

With Campbell out, Townsend, a couple of pieces of guaze shoved up her nose for much of the game, took over, hitting three pointer after three pointer to constantly keep BYU out of striking distance. Townsend finished with 16 points, hitting three from long range.

The Zags forced 21 turnovers in the game and held BYU to under 40 percent shooting from the floor. Paisely Johnson, BYU’s leading scorer at 14.3 points per game, was held to seven points on 3-of-12 shooting. Outside of Brenna Chase Drollinger’s 24 points, BYU couldn’t get much offense from anyone else. Drollinger and Johnson combined for 31 of BYU’s 44 points.

Gonzaga, currently ranked No. 11 in the AP Poll, might be able to crack into the top 10 next week. But, all thoughts about the future have to be put on pause until more news comes out about Campbell’s injury. She is the main three point shooting threat for Gonzaga, and will not be easily replaced if she is out for an extended period of time.