Gonzaga survives against Michigan State in the Armed Forces Classic

A game like this and it's only November, it's going to be one helluva season. The revival of the Carrier Classic was the perfect way to kickoff the season.

We said this on the House of College Hoops podcast that both teams needed to come out and play strong to kick things off the season or the rest of their schedules would be daunting. That statement proved to be true.

Having this game five days into the season deserves a round of applause for both teams. For Gonzaga, it was the Drew Timme show, leading all scorers with 22 points, and leading the team with 13 rebounds and 4 assists as well. He received some help from Nolan Hickman (10 pts) and Julian Strawther (13pts), but other than that, it was his doing that led to the victory. If Timme continues this path, he will easily make his case for the Wooden Award, and hopefully a Championship run.

Michigan State came in as heavy underdogs, and they proved that Tom Izzo isn't messing around. Four starters all tallied double digits, with Mady Sissoko leading the team in his 14 pts and 9 reb. double-double. Credit to them for sticking around in this game, but their schedule doesn't get any easier. This month, they'll take on No. 4 Kentucky, No. 16 Villanova, and No. 20 Alabama. Yikes.

I knew Gonzaga -11 was too hefty of a spread, and looking back historically, the under was the sure play, especially with the wind tonight. Back to the lab to win some more coin!