Duke has been a defensive nightmare for Gonzaga in three previous meetings
Over the years, the Gonzaga men’s basketball team has faced Duke three times – all Blue Devils’ victories.
The No. 3 Zags hope the fourth time will be the charm against top-ranked Duke when the two tip off at 2 p.m. Wednesday for the Maui Invitational title.
A quick look back at the three previous matchups:
2006: Duke 61, Gonzaga 54
What happened: Duke and GU first collided at Madison Square Garden in December 2006. The No. 6 Blue Devils won a defensive-minded contest, limiting GU’s Derek Raivio to four points, 16 fewer than his average. Jeremy Pargo scored 17 of his 21 points in the second half for No. 22 Gonzaga.
2009: Duke 76, Gonzaga 41
What happened: Facing off again in a December clash at MSG, seventh-ranked Duke held No. 15-GU to its lowest point total in 25 years. The Zags made just two of their first 10 shots and finished 15-of-54 in the game, while committing 18 turnovers. “We have to put this out of our minds fast,” GU coach Mark Few said. Robert Sacre led all GU scorers with just nine points.
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2015: Duke 66, Gonzaga 52
What happened: Seeking their first Final Four appearance, the Zags were thwarted by the perimeter defense of the Blue Devils in Houston in March 2015. With Gonzaga leading 38-34, Duke mounted an 18-6 run that began with eight straight empty possessions by the Zags, who were led by Kyle Wiltjer’s 16 points. “Mark’s kids were a Final Four team,” Duke coach Mike Krzyzeweski said after the game.
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