Power inside, fine touch at free-throw line highlight Gonzaga’s victory

The frontcourt trio of Przemek Karnowski, Johnathan Williams and Zach Collins combined for 39 points and 28 rebounds Saturday during Gonzaga’s 82-61 win over Pacific.

The Zags, particularly the bigs, put foul pressure on the Tigers from the opening tip. Gonzaga made its first 14 free throws and 17 of 18 in the first half.

They finished 26 of 30 at the stripe, led by Williams-Goss’ 8 of 8 and Collins’ 8 of 9.

“It’s big to see that we’re aggressive (inside) and it opens up the 3-point line, too,” guard Silas Melson said. “Getting to the line is one of our keys. Putting foul pressure on their bigs, so we can get deep into their rotation and have an advantage.”

The trio of bigs also blocked eight shots.

“Early not so good (on defense), but then we adjusted, almost like San Francisco (on Thursday),” GU coach Mark Few said. “When those bigs are coming over and changing shots, we’re pretty good.”