LAS VEGAS — Andrew Nembhard scored 19 factors, Rasir Bolton added 18 and top-ranked Gonzaga outlasted No. 17 Saint Mary’s 82-69 Tuesday night time to win its eighth West Coast Convention event title in 9 years.
The Zags (26-3) had one massive run within the first half to construct a 10-point lead in its twenty fifth straight WCC title recreation, however spent a lot of the night time making an attempt to shake the gritty Gaels.
Gonzaga lastly did it, making 9 photographs throughout a stretch within the second half to drag away after Saint Mary’s had minimize the result in two.
The win all however locks up a No. 1 seed within the NCAA Event for the Zags.
The Gaels (25-7) managed to gradual the sport’s tempo to its liking, stopping the Zags from getting out in transition for straightforward baskets. Gonzaga nonetheless discovered a method to outscore Saint Mary’s, making 16 of 23 photographs within the second half to win its twentieth WCC event title.
Logan Johnson led Saint Mary’s with 21 factors and Tommy Kuhse added 15.
The Zags and Gaels have turned the WCC event right into a working off-Strip present because it moved to Las Vegas in 2009. The groups have met 9 occasions within the title recreation at Orleans Area and one or the opposite has received the championship yearly. The Zags have 10 titles over the 13-year run, the Gaels three (the final in 2019).
The rivals cut up throughout the common season: Gonzaga ran roughshod over Saint Mary’s in Spokane, Washington, and the Gaels bullied the Zags for a 10-point win in Moraga, California.
The go-round with a title on the road began as a defensive slog, each groups placing up tough photographs and making sloppy errors in opposition to the strain. However Gonzaga revved up its smooth-moving machine halfway via the primary half, occurring a 15-4 run to go up 29-18.
The Gaels made a brief push, however the Zags pushed again for a 38-28 halftime lead. They usually did it with massive males Drew Timme and Chet Holmgren combining for 4 factors on 2-of-9 capturing.
Saint Mary’s bogged the sport down once more to begin the second half, turning it right into a half-court duel. The Gaels received the effectivity battle, methodically working for good photographs to chop Gonzaga’s result in 52-50 halfway via.
Gonzaga discovered the correct gear once more after that, hitting 9 straight photographs to push the result in 71-59.
Saint Mary’s had no reply this time.
BIG PICTURE
Saint Mary’s: Performed on the tempo it wished to and shot the ball decently, but couldn’t sustain with the Zags. A disappointing loss, however the Gaels must be a lock to make the NCAA Event after lacking the bracket final season.
Gonzaga: Needed to grind it out at occasions, however nonetheless shot 58 per cent. The Zags additionally confirmed off their depth, getting 53 mixed factors from Nembhard, Bolton and Julian Strawther.
UP NEXT
Saint Mary’s: Is headed to the NCAA Event, doubtless as a center seed.
Gonzaga: Ought to get a No. 1 seed within the NCAA Event, probably No. 1 general.
