Gonzaga-North Alabama: 3 keys to the Bulldogs’ 96-51 victory over the Lions

Key moment

It came early, as in the first few sequences after the Zags’ Brandon Clarke won the opening tip. Gonzaga’s Rui Hachimura took Cameron Diggs inside for a basket, Clarke swatted Jamari Blackmon’s shot and Zach Norvell Jr. hit a 3-pointer at the offensive end. That set the tone as Gonzaga built a 35-3 lead after 11 minutes.

Offensive MVP

Norvell scored five of Gonzaga’s first 12 points as the Zags took control from the outset. The 6-foot-5 sophomore wing finished with three 3-pointers and 20 points. He hit all five of his free throws. Norvell also had a team-high five assists.

Defensive MVP

Clarke had a strong all-around performance. He had four blocks, including a pair in the first 9 minutes that led to Gonzaga baskets at the offensive end. Clarke, who entered the game third nationally in blocks, had four, giving him 46 for the season. He had three steals to go with his 12 rebounds, seven defensive, and 16 points.