SPOKANE, Wash. – No. 13 Gonzaga (8-3) returns to the Kennel for the second time this week to host Bucknell (4-7) on Saturday at 6 p.m. The game will be broadcast on NonStopLocal KHQ and streamed on SWXLocalSports.com for viewers in the KHQ/SWX viewing area.

Last time out, Gonzaga overcame a slow start — trailing by more than 11 minutes in the first half — to beat Nicholls 102-72. It was a resurgent win for the Zags after losing to two Blue Blood programs the week before.

Now the Bulldogs want to keep the momentum going and pick up their ninth win of the season before a week-long holiday break.

The Bucknell Bison came to Spokane after five straight losses. The Bison’s last win was a month ago on November 21st when they defeated the New Jersey Institute of Technology 81-64.

Ranked 259th among the 364 Division I men’s basketball teams, Bucknell hasn’t had a winning season since 2018-19.

While this should be an “easy” win for GU, it’s a point where the Zags can’t look at UCLA in a week and need to focus on getting their work done in an environment that is less energetic and none Has students or cheerleaders in the kennel.

Through the first 11 games of the season, Gonzaga is averaging 89.5 points per game on 49.7% shooting from the field and 34.9% from three-point range and has five players averaging double-digit points.

Graham Ike leads GU with 14.6 points per game and also leads the team in rebounds, grabbing over six boards per game. Khalif Battle and Braden Huff follow in the points standings with an average of 13 points each. Ryan Nembhard leads Gonzaga and the nation with 10.3 assists per game and also scores 12 points per game. Nolan Hickman rounds out the double-digit scoring totals with 10.2.

Bucknell is averaging 70.6 points as a team, shooting 42.9% from the field, 29.9% from three-point range and has three scorers in double figures. Their 6-foot-2 senior guard leads the way with 14.1 points per game, followed by Noah Williamson at 13.4 and Ian Motta at 10.1.

Gonzaga, ranked No. 13 in the AP Top 25 and No. 6 in the KenPom rankings, enters the race as a 31.5-point favorite over Bucknell. The over/under is set at 153.5.

Here’s how to watch

Gonzaga vs. Bucknell will be televised on NonStopLocal KHQ, the NBC affiliate based in Spokane, Washington.

The game will be streamed for free on SWXLocalSports.com. You can find the direct link here. The game is not available in all viewing areas. If you’re trying to stream outside the KHQ/SWX viewing area, you’ll need to stream it on ESPN Plus.

The Gonzaga Bulldogs and Bucknell Bison head to the Kennel on Saturday at 6 p.m. For Zags postgame highlights and reaction, visit SWXLocalSports.com.