Gonzaga crushes Indiana in impressive comeback victory

In Nassau, Bahamas, on November 27, 2024, the Gonzaga Bulldogs faced off against the Indiana Hoosiers in a consolation round game of the Battle 4 Atlantis. This event took place after Gonzaga's recent loss to West Virginia, highlighting the team's need for redemption. Khalif Battle led the Bulldogs with 16 points, helping them to establish a strong lead early in the game. The Bulldogs capitalized on Indiana’s struggles with their offense to create a significant gap, ending the first half with a 57-39 advantage. Ryan Nembhard played a critical role, recording a double-double with 11 points and 13 assists, showcasing Gonzaga's depth with six players scoring in double figures. Indiana struggled to maintain momentum throughout the game, with Omar Ballo providing a standout performance by scoring 25 points. Despite his efforts, the Hoosiers could not close the gap as they fell behind due to a poor shooting performance from their supporting players, who collectively shot only 34.8% from the field. The Bulldogs' dominance on the boards, where they out-rebounded Indiana 42-27, contributed to their success. Gonzaga's 16-0 run in the first half was a pivotal moment, as it took the lead from a narrow two-point margin to a commanding advantage, effectively sealing Indiana's fate. The game concluded with Gonzaga cementing their position in the tournament, where they are set to play the winner of the matchup between Providence and Davidson. Meanwhile, Indiana, after suffering their second consecutive loss, will face the losing team from that contest for seventh place in the tournament. This outcome not only showcased Gonzaga's ability to bounce back from adversity but also highlighted Indiana's need to regroup as they look to improve their performance moving forward in the season.