Gonzaga-LMU: 3 keys to the Bulldogs’ 83-69 victory

Key moment

The Zags were clinging to a 64-59 lead when they finally opened up some breathing room with a 10-0 run. After two GU free throws, Killian Tillie buried a 3-pointer. Rui Hachimura blocked James Batemon’s layup attempt and Johnathan Williams converted at the other end with a dunk. Zach Norvell Jr. followed with a 3-pointer.

Offensive player of the game

Sophomore forward Killian Tillie poured in 24 points. He was 5 of 5 on 3-pointers and 9 of 12 overall. Tillie also grabbed three offensive rebounds, one leading to his putback dunk late in the first half and another resulting in a Rui Hachimura basket in the second half.

Defensive player of the game

Gonzaga put forward Rui Hachimura on Loyola Marymount’s James Batemon late in the game and finally slowed down the high-scoring point guard. Batemon scored just two points on free throws in the final 7 minutes. Hachimura and Killian Tillie also did a nice job on forward Eli Scott, who scored just four points, nine below his average.