Gonzaga uses small-ball lineup against New Mexico State in season opener
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Nov 8, 2026, 3:06 AM
Last updated Nov 8, 2026
College SportsGonzaga faced New Mexico State in their home opener on November 7, making adjustments due to the absence of Izan Almansa, who is sidelined with a lower leg injury. The Zags employed a small-ball lineup, receiving mixed outcomes, particularly defensively. Coach Mark Few noted the challenges of playing smaller without Almansa, who had been a key player off the bench. Gonzaga led 47-42 at halftime and later outscored the Aggies 62-26 in the second half. The next game for Gonzaga is set for November 14 against LSU.
- •Gonzaga is without Izan Almansa due to a lower leg injury.
- •The Zags used a small-ball lineup, resulting in mixed outcomes.
- •Gonzaga led New Mexico State 47-42 at halftime.
- •The Zags outscored the Aggies 62-26 in the second half.
- •Next game for Gonzaga is November 14 against LSU.
- 3:06 AMYahoo Sports — Gonzaga's Izan Almansa sidelined for New Mexico State game with lower leg injury
- 3:02 AMYahoo Sports — Gonzaga's small-ball lineup yields mixed results during home opener
"Nov. 7—Gonzaga turned to a small-ball lineup at times Saturday against New Mexico State with Izan Almansa sitting out with a sore calf. The results: Some good, some bad at both ends of the floor. Almansa has been solid as the first big off the bench behind starters Braden Huff and Massamba Diop in exhibition games and the season-opening win over Purdue last Monday. "He banged his calf," coach ...
"Nov. 7—Gonzaga won't be able to rely on Izan Almansa's steady bench production in today's home opener against New Mexico State. The sophomore forward isn't available against the Aggies as he recovers from a lower right leg injury, according to Gonzaga. Almansa is listed as day to day, but didn't appear to be in any real discomfort walking around the court in street clothes before tipoff at ...
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsNov 8, 2026, 3:06 AMGonzaga's Izan Almansa sidelined for New Mexico State game with lower leg injury
Nov. 7—Gonzaga won't be able to rely on Izan Almansa's steady bench production in today's home opener against New Mexico State. The sophomore forward isn't available against the Aggies as he recovers from a lower right leg injury, according to Gonzaga. Almansa is listed as day to day, but didn't appear to be in any real discomfort walking around the court in street clothes before tipoff at ...
- Yahoo SportsNov 8, 2026, 3:02 AMGonzaga's small-ball lineup yields mixed results during home opener
Nov. 7—Gonzaga turned to a small-ball lineup at times Saturday against New Mexico State with Izan Almansa sitting out with a sore calf. The results: Some good, some bad at both ends of the floor. Almansa has been solid as the first big off the bench behind starters Braden Huff and Massamba Diop in exhibition games and the season-opening win over Purdue last Monday. "He banged his calf," coach ...
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