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Gonzaga Basketball

Zags-Vols: 3 keys to Gonzaga’s 86-76 win

Gonzaga guard Josh Perkins hit a crucial shot late in the game against Tennesse with Detrick Mostella (15) defending, Dec. 18, 2016, in the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn. (Dan Pelle / The Spokesman-Review)

No. 8 Gonzaga defeated Tennessee 86-76 on Sunday at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. Here are the three keys to the Zags’ win:

Key moment

Josh Perkins connected on a pull-up jumper with 1:58 left to put a stop to a 5-0 Tennessee run and bump Gonzaga’s lead to 77-71. GU scored the next four points, including two Perkins free throws, to open up a 10-point leadin the final minute.

Offensive player of game

Gonzaga guard Nigel Williams-Goss beats Tennessee guard Jordan Bowden on the baseline, Dec. 18, 2016, in the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn. (Dan Pelle / The Spokesman-Review)
Gonzaga guard Nigel Williams-Goss beats Tennessee guard Jordan Bowden on the baseline, Dec. 18, 2016, in the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn. (Dan Pelle / The Spokesman-Review) Buy this photo

Nigel Williams-Goss filled the stat sheet with a game-high 20 points, nine rebounds, six assists and two steals. The junior guard made 7 of 12 shots, 6 of 7 free throws and contributed a key three-point play to extend GU’s lead to 75-66 with 3:38 left.

Defensive player of game

Gonzaga guard Jordan Mathews clamps down on Tennessee guard Robert Hubbs III, Dec. 18, 2016, in the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn. (Dan Pelle / The Spokesman-Review)
Gonzaga guard Jordan Mathews clamps down on Tennessee guard Robert Hubbs III, Dec. 18, 2016, in the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn. (Dan Pelle / The Spokesman-Review) Buy this photo

Jordan Mathews drew the defensive assignment on Robert Hubbs III and helped limit the talented senior wing to 10 points. Hubbs came in averaging 16.5 points and had three straight games with at least 20 points. Hubbs, a 55.6 percent shooter, was just 4 of 10 from the field.