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Gonzaga Basketball

Gonzaga-Arkansas-Pine Bluff: 3 keys to the Bulldogs’ victory over the Golden Lions

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

Offensive MVP

Senior guard Ryan Woolridge put together a huge first half. He made a pair of 3-pointers and all four of his free throws en route to 12 points. He handed out six assists, showing off his speed in the open court but also patience against UAPB’s zone. Woolridge finished with 14 points and nine assists.

Defensive MVP

Freshman forward Anton Watson came up with three of Gonzaga’s six steals in the first half, one he punctuated with a soaring one-handed jam in transition. The 6-foot-8 freshman guarded frontcourt players and wings/guards with equal effectiveness.

Key moment

The Zags began to pull away midway through the first half with a 14-0 run. It started with Woolridge’s soft-bounce 3-pointer, and he followed it up with a smooth 3. Drew Timme’s midrange jump hook bumped GU’s lead to 31-16. The run grew to 22-4, giving the Zags a 39-20 lead.