Gonzaga-Texas Tech: 3 keys to the Red Raiders’ 75-69 Elite Eight victory over the Bulldogs

Key moment

Texas Tech’s Davide Moretti hit the two biggest shots of the game, both dagger 3-pointers. The Red Raiders led 60-58 with time fading on the shot clock when Moretti connected to make it a five-point advantage with 3:50 left. The Zags were within 63-60 when Moretti struck for another 3-pointer with 1:45 remaining.

Offensive MVP

Grad transfer guard Matt Mooney scored 17 points to go with five assists and three steals. Mooney’s layup on a pretty drive against Brandon Clarke gave Texas Tech the lead for good at 60-58. Mooney hit all four of his free throws, including two big ones with 19.7 seconds left to bump the Red Raiders’ lead to 71-67. Mooney hit 6 of 12 from the field.

Defensive MVP

Texas Tech forward Tariq Owens did a nice job defensively inside against Gonzaga’s bigs. Clarke and Rui Hachimura combined for 40 points, but they also had nine turnovers. Owens had three blocks, one steal and seven defensive rebounds.