In an early season test for the No. 2 Gonzaga Bulldogs, the unranked Michigan State Spartans gave the Bulldogs everything but the kitchen sink. The Spartans who out-toughed the Bulldogs to take a 12-point lead at the end of the first half outplayed the Zags for most of the game but could not hold on against the relentless Bulldogs in the second half losing 64-63.

Preseason All-America Drew Timme led the Zags with 22 points and 14 rebounds. Despite the usual physical play of the Spartans, the Zags came out in the second half with their own display of toughness which allowed the Bulldogs to overcome a 12-point deficit in the second half. This game was a nice test for the Bulldogs who got a taste of things to come during this season as they play a schedule replete with Blueblood college basketball programs.

On the other hand, the Spartans despite their loss to the Zags displayed the typical Spartan warrior mentality. Even more, their performance clearly demonstrated that their team was overlooked by Sports Illustrated which did not include the Spartans in its Preseason Top 25 ranking. The Spartans will be a force to be reckoned with if they stay healthy and can keep their big man, Mady Sissoko (14 points, nine rebounds), who fouled out of the game, out of foul trouble as the season progresses.