Timme scores 17 in potential home finale for No. 10 Gonzaga

SPOKANE, Wash. — SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) — Drew Timme scored 17 points in what is likely to be his last home game in Gonzaga, and the 10th-ranked Bulldogs defeated Chicago State 104-65 in a postseason tune-up Wednesday night.

Timme was greeted by the Kennel crowd for perhaps one last time as he made his 99th start at Gonzaga. The senior forward ranks second in the school’s career scoring list, 21 points behind Frank Burgess (1958-61).

“It hasn’t really hit me yet,” said Timme. “But it was very special, all the love and support. This place was a great home away from home for me. When I first showed up I didn’t want to like it, but I ended up loving it.”

The 6-foot-10 Timme has played four seasons with Gonzaga but could return for a fifth because of the additional eligibility the NCAA has granted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He has not announced any specific plans.

Fellow senior Rasir Bolton added 15 points for the Zags (26-5), who won their seventh straight game. Malachi Smith scored 14.

“Just an overwhelmingly awesome group of people. All have their own personality. You all contributed so much,” said coach Mark Few. Jahsean Corbett led Chicago State (11-19) with 22 points and seven rebounds. Wesley Cardet scored 16.

Gonzaga added the game to avoid going more than a week without play before the West Coast Conference Tournament in Las Vegas. The Zags are No. 2 and will play in the semifinals next Monday to win their fourth consecutive title at a WCC tournament.

The game was marked by six early lead changes, but at 13-10 in the first half, Hunter Sallis threw a wild one-handed slam to spark a 20-2 run for Gonzaga in the next eight minutes.

Chicago State halved the deficit with a 15-6 sprint, but Bolton knocked down a deep 3-pointer in the closing seconds and Gonzaga led 42-28 at halftime.

The Cougars couldn’t keep up in the second half as they were outplayed 62-37.

Seven players reached double digits for Gonzaga and nine scored goals overall as the Bulldogs deployed an 11-man rotation in preparation for the upcoming WCC tournament.

Chicago State had won six out of seven, making it the most wins in a season since 2013-2014. It was the first matchup with Gonzaga in program history. HIGH

Chicago State plays at Fresno State on Saturday.

Gonzaga plays in the WCC semifinals on Monday.