Gonzaga-Pepperdine: 3 keys to the Bulldogs’ 100-74 victory over the Waves

Key moment

Killian Tillie’s first 3-pointer, shortly after checking into a game for the first time since suffering a partially torn plantar fascia Feb. 7, sparked the pro-Zags crowd and his teammates. His second 3 triggered a 13-0 run that put Gonzaga in front 29-13 with 7:40 left in the half. The Zags led by at least 14 the rest of the half and by as many as 41 in the second half.

Offensive MVP

Tillie’s contributions were big for the Zags, but we’ll give the nod to Zach Norvell Jr., who struck for 18 points and three assists in just 24 minutes. Norvell hit just two 3-pointers, preferring to do the majority of his damage with dribble penetration or in transition following steals. He hit a putback from five feet just before the halftime buzzer to give Gonzaga a 47-26 lead.

Defensive MVP

Rui Hachimura and Brandon Clarke shut down the lane on the Waves’ offense. The Zags’ forwards combined for four blocked shots and the Waves had just 14 paint points midway through the second half and trailed 79-40.