Nov. 27, 2001

SPOKANE, Wash. - Gonzaga University forward Zach Gourde has been named the West Coast Conference Player of the Week for his efforts in helping the Bulldogs to a 2-1 record and runner-up finish at the Carrs/Safeway Great Alaska Shootout.

The Bulldogs topped St. John's University in the first round, downed 23rd-ranked University of Texas in the semifinals and lost to Marquette University in the title game.

The 6-8 junior from Vancouver, Wash., averaged 15.3 ppg, 8.0 rpg and shot 58.3 percent from the field. He had 14 points and 8 rebounds in the win over St. John's, 17 points and 10 rebounds for his third career-double double and second of the season in semifinal win over Texas and poured in 15 points and grabbed 6 rebounds in the championship game. Gourde hit 6-of-12 shots from the field in the opener against the Red Storm, went 8-for-14 against the Longhorns and 7-for-10 against Marquette, making him 21-for-36 from the field for the tourney.

Gourde and the Bulldogs (3-2) return to action Thursday night in The Kennel when the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff visits for a 7 p.m. tip.