In a college basketball Thanksgiving Day matinee, No.1 ranked Gonzaga defeated No. 6 Kansas, 102-90, in the opening game of the Fort Myers Tip-Off at Florida SouthWestern State University’s Suncoast Credit Union Arena.

Freshman Jalen Suggs led the way for the Bulldogs, dropping 24 points on 9-of-15 shooting, adding eight assists and four rebounds in an impressive NCAA debut for the St. Paul native.

Sophomore power forward Drew Timme and senior forward Corey Kispert brought their shooting touch for the Zags in this one, as the two amassed 48 points going 19-for-28 from the floor combined.

The was the first game of the 2020-2021 campaign for two programs that turned in impressive showings last year in a season cut short due to COVID-19.

“It’s a heck of a win for the program,” said Gonzaga head coach Mark Few, who was doused with an ice bucket in the locker room in honor of his 600th career win. “We withstood the run we knew was coming from a Kansas team — so I’m proud of them for that. I’m so proud of everything they’ve been through; the wherewithal, the dedication, the resiliency they’ve shown thorough everything.”

Gonzaga guard Joel Ayayi finishes a layup in the Bulldogs' 102-90 Fort Myers Tip-Off victory over Kansas on Thanksgiving. PHOTO BY CJ HADDAD

It was all Gonzaga in the first half as the Bulldogs led for more than 19 minutes and at one time held a 14-point advantage over Kansas.

It was Suggs’ coming out party and the Zags’ highest-profile recruit in history did not disappoint. Right out of the gate, the freshman finished a two-handed alley-oop that sent oohs and aahs throughout the limited-attendance crowd.

“I was really excited. Super emotional,” Suggs said when asked about his college basketball debut. “It’s been a long time coming this journey. I remember dreaming of playing college basketball as a kid. My teammates really lifted me up. They kept me calm, kept me in tune, and gave me confidence. Today was a great team win.”

Coach was impressed with his freshman as well.

“Jalen was special tonight,” Few said. “For his first time out, with a lot of hype and stuff going on, I thought he just focused and competed which is what he does terrifically. He’s a high level competitor.”

Kansas junior forward David McCormack shoots a turn around floater in the paint during the Jayhawks 102-90 Fort Myers Tip-Off loss to Gonzaga PHOTO BY CJ HADDAD

The Jayahawks wouldn’t go without a fight and came out firing in the second half. Backed by junior David McCormack and freshman Bryce Thompson, Kansas went on a 10-2 run and tied the game at 56.

Kansas kept things close for the first 10 minutes of the second half, but the Bulldogs’ offense was just too much to handle.

Down the stretch, Suggs took over and dropped 17 second-half points. Redshirt junior Joel Ayayi chipped in 11 (15 total) in the final 20 and Timme stayed hot with eight.

“We’ve got guys who can score,” Few said. “I don’t think anybody played out of their minds or anything. They were doing all the things we’ve been doing in practice. But it does take a certain high level of toughness to deliver against a team like Kansas, so I thought that was something I’ll take from this game.”

For Kansas, senior stud Marcus Garret piled up 22 points on an efficient 7-for-9 shooting. Junior guard Ochai Agbaji scored 17 and Thompson finished with 12.

“We played a great team,” said long-time Kansas head coach Bill Self. “I think (Gonzaga’s) speed and how fast they play definitely surprised us early. I think we had some individuals play well offensively, but defensively we were never really connected today, got discombobulated and could never really get it back.”

In the second game on Thursday, Auburn defeated Saint Joseph’s 96-91 in overtime.

Tomorrow, Gonzaga will take on Auburn at 11 a.m. on FOX while Kansas faces off against St. Joseph’s at 2 p.m. on FS1.

–Connect with this reporter on Twitter: @haddad_cj