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Gonzaga Basketball

Gonzaga-Duke: 3 keys from the Bulldogs’ 89-87 victory over the Blue Devils at the Maui Invitational

By Jim Meehan jimm@spokesman.com(509) 459-5585

Key moment

The Zags got the go-ahead basket with 1 minute, 10 seconds left when Rui Hachimura posted up RJ Barrett and scored in the lane. Gonzaga’s defense made it stand up with a pair of defensive stands in the final minute.

Offensive MVP

Hachimura scored from inside and out, and helped his teammates out along the way. He opened the game with a 3-pointer, then took it closer to the rim for midrange jumpers and post-up baskets inside. He scored 20 points on 7-of-14 shooting. He also had five assists.

Defensive MVP

Brandon Clarke was strong at both ends of the court, but his six blocks changed the momentum. The Blue Devils have numerous players who can drive and finish inside, but Clarke’s rejections made it tough on ball-handlers and fueled Gonzaga’s transition game. He rejected Barrett in the closing seconds to preserve GU’s two-point lead.