Gonzaga handles the adversity in second half Provo

Gonzaga faced its toughest challenge since Arizona in early December in Los Angeles. The Zags led by 19 late in the first half but BYU found its offensive stride in the second half, scoring 49 points.

“They had a lot of momentum,” Gonzaga forward Johnathan Williams said. “Their fans were really into it and they feed off their fans. Once they get going, it feels like the rim gets bigger for them on every shot.”

Gonzaga put up 43 second-half points – 24 by Nigel Williams-Goss – to hold off the Cougars.

“It’s always good to get tested like that, especially this time of the season,” Collins said. “Mentally, it helps us know if we get in that situation, which is shouldn’t have, we know how to win and how to get it done.”