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Gonzaga Basketball

GU-SMC: 3 keys to Bulldogs’ 79-56 win

The Gonzaga bench gives Johnathan Williams some love after he was fouled by Saint Marys on a rebound, Jan. 14, 2017, in the McCarthey Athletic Center. (Dan Pelle / The Spokesman-Review)

No. 5 Gonzaga defeated No. 21 Saint Mary’s 79-56 on Saturday at McCarthey Athletic Center in Spokane. Here are the three keys to the Zags’ win:

Key moment

With over four minutes remaining in the first half, Gonzaga had taken a 34-32 lead on a 3-pointer from Jordan Mathews. But it was a steal from Silas Melson and ensuing dunk from Johnathan Williams that ignited the crowd as the Zags gained momentum to carry them on a 12-0 run. Melson had a jump shot, and Zach Collins had five points before Saint Mary’s could get its first basket in nearly four minutes with only 48 seconds left in the half.

Offensive player of the game

Gonzaga guard Nigel Williams-Goss (5) holds off St. Mary's defender Joe Rahon during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Sat., Jan. 14, 2017, in the McCarthey Athletic Center. (Colin Mulvany / The Spokesman-Review)
Gonzaga guard Nigel Williams-Goss (5) holds off St. Mary’s defender Joe Rahon during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Sat., Jan. 14, 2017, in the McCarthey Athletic Center. (Colin Mulvany / The Spokesman-Review) Buy this photo

Nigel Williams-Goss scored 19 points, including 9 of the Zags’ first 16. By the 13:21 mark in the first half, Williams-Goss had made a 3-pointer, two jump shots, and two free throws.

Defensive player of the game

Gonzaga forward Johnathan Williams erases a shot by Saint Marys Joe Rahon, Jan. 14, 2017, in the McCarthey Athletic Center. (Dan Pelle / The Spokesman-Review)
Gonzaga forward Johnathan Williams erases a shot by Saint Marys Joe Rahon, Jan. 14, 2017, in the McCarthey Athletic Center. (Dan Pelle / The Spokesman-Review) Buy this photo

Williams was strong inside, picking up five blocks for Gonzaga. He also was second on the team in rebounds with five. Przemek Karnowski led the team in boards with six.