It’s the early season game of the year after the previous early season game of the year was called off in response to COVID-19 issues.
Two weeks after No. 1 Gonzaga-No. 2 Baylor was shelved, the Zags are scheduled to face No. 3 Iowa – and player of the year favorite Luka Garza – on Saturday in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Gonzaga has faced seven player of the year award winners, including its NCAA Tournament debut in 1995 against No. 10 Maryland and POY Joe Smith. “It’s not exactly David vs. Goliath, but it might be the prelim to it,” coach Dan Fitzgerald cracked.
The Zags shut down Smith, but Maryland still pulled away 87-63.