Gonzaga, Kennesaw State Endure Adversity on January 15

Both teams faced unexpected challenges as they prepared to face off on the court.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 4:36am

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Gonzaga was still reeling from the news that forward Braden Huff would be out for at least four weeks with a left knee injury when they traveled to Washington State to face Kennesaw State on January 15. Kennesaw State was also dealing with adversity, as the team had recently gone through a difficult situation involving player Cottle.

Why it matters

The injuries and off-court issues faced by both teams added an extra layer of drama and uncertainty heading into their matchup, as the players and coaches had to navigate these challenges while still preparing to compete at a high level.

The details

Gonzaga learned of Huff's injury less than 24 hours before the game, forcing the team to quickly adjust their game plan. Meanwhile, Kennesaw State had recently dealt with an unspecified situation involving player Cottle, further complicating their preparation for the contest.

  • Gonzaga learned of Braden Huff's left knee injury on January 14, less than 24 hours before the January 15 game.
  • Kennesaw State had recently gone through a difficult situation involving player Cottle prior to the January 15 matchup.

The players

Braden Huff

A Gonzaga forward who sustained a left knee injury that would sideline him for at least four weeks.

Cottle

A Kennesaw State player who was involved in a difficult situation that the team had recently dealt with.

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The takeaway

The challenges faced by both Gonzaga and Kennesaw State heading into their January 15 matchup underscored the unpredictable nature of college sports, where teams must often overcome unexpected obstacles in order to succeed on the court.