Gonzago getting ready to play #3 O S U

SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) _ 13-ranked Gonzaga is hoping to improve on its somewhat surprising 9-and-1 season when it pays Number 3 Oklahoma State a visit on Tuesday. <br/><br/>The Bulldogs lost to then-5-ranked

Friday, December 24th 2004, 6:18 am

By: News On 6

SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) _ 13-ranked Gonzaga is hoping to improve on its somewhat surprising 9-and-1 season when it pays Number 3 Oklahoma State a visit on Tuesday.

The Bulldogs lost to then-5-ranked Illinois, but have beaten Number 3 Georgia Tech and 14th-ranked Washington.

With only senior starter Ronny Turiaf back from last year's team, the Bulldogs weren't expected to be quite as good.

Turiaf is averaging 20 points and nine rebounds per game.

With the help of some young players, the Bulldogs have averaged 80 points per game.

Coach Mark Few has been generally pleased with his young team, but acknowledges that OSU is a legitimate national title contender.

Tuesday's game is part of the Touchstone Energy Classic in Oklahoma City.

Gonzaga has never played a game in the state of Oklahoma.