Recap and highlights: No. 2 Gonzaga continued its winning streak with a commanding 90-57 win over BYU
It was another offensive showcase for the Bulldogs as they beat BYU 90-57 on Saturday at the Marriott Center in Provo, Utah.
Gonzaga freshman Chet Holmgren continued his ascension, becoming just the fifth player since 2010 to have 20 points, 15 rebounds, five assists and five blocks.
Holmgren was the target of “overrated” chants pregame, but it didn’t take long for him to silence the crowd.
He wasn’t the only offensive weapon at Mark Few’s disposal.
Julian Strawther had 19 points, Andrew Nembhard 15, Rasir Bolton and Drew Timme added 13.
The Bulldogs shot 52.5% from the floor, draining eight 3s and combining for 20 assists.
On the defensive end, GU had 10 blocks and 12 steals.
With BYU struggling to make any shots, the Zags got out and ran, outscoring the Cougars 21-5 on the fast break. The paint was also a point of domination for GU, besting BYU 44-22 down low.
Gideon George led BYU with 14 points.
The Zags host Pacific on Thursday at 6 p.m. in the Kennel.
First half
15:59 - GU 12, BYU 5: The Cougars scored the first five points before the Zags went on a 12-0 run. Holmgren making his presence felt on both ends, disrupting shots on defense and being a matchup nightmare on offense. Strawther and Bolton lead the Bulldogs with five points apiece.
11:42 - GU 23, BYU 9: Bolton leads the Zags with eight points after nailing his first two 3’s. Bulldogs looking at home in the Marriott Center. GU is on another run, this time it’s 10-0. Cougars looking flustered early.
5:20 - GU 40, BYU 15: The Bulldogs are on fire from the field, shooting 67%. They are 4-for-8 from deep. Holmgren continuing his torrid pace recently, scoring 13 points with eight rebounds. BYU is shooting 21% from the floor.
3:25 - GU 42, BYU 17: The under-four minute media timeout gives the Cougars another chance to catch their breath. Bulldogs also flashing their shooting chops at the free throw line, going 11-12 so far.
55.2 - GU 47, BYU 20: Few calls a timeout after a few sloppy possessions on the offensive end. He was not too happy with the miscues. Bulldogs still holding a massive lead over their WCC rivals. Strawther joins Holmgren in the double digit club with 10 points.
Halftime
It was an offensive showcase by the Bulldogs in the first half, spearheaded by Holmgren.
The freshman produced a double double with 13 points and 10 boards. His confidence over the past few games has carried down to Provo.
On the defensive end, GU is holding BYU to 25% from the field. Nothing has been easy for the Cougars.
The Zags are outrebounding BYU 25-16.
At the break, Few said the Zags need to win the first four minutes of the second half. Most of the action in those four minutes can be expected to be ran by Holmgren.
Second half
16:00 - GU 58, BYU 34: The Cougars have attempted to cut into the lead, yet the Zags keeping them at arms length.
GU is running a smooth offense, flashing what has made it the highest scoring offense in the country.
Strawther is up to 10 points on the night.
13:19 - GU 70, BYU 36: Offense has continued to come easy for the Zags as the Cougars have to call a timeout.
Everyone is joining in on the onslaught as all five starters have hit double figures.
GU is on a 10-0 in the last 1:23.
11:38 - GU 74, BYU 36: The Bulldogs have clamped down on the defensive end, forcing turnover after turnover.
They have 10 blocks and 10 steals which plays right into the GU strength.
The Zags hold a 15-5 edge in points off turnovers.
7:50 - GU 74, BYU 47: It was time for the Cougars to make a bit of a run. Over the last 3:28, BYU has been on an 11-0 run as the Zags have been clunky on offense.
Gideon George leads BYU with 14 points.
3:37 - GU 86, BYU 53: Holmgren checked out, finishing with 20 points, 17 rebounds, six assists, five blocks.
The Zags are close to besting their best win over the Cougars. If they can win by 34 points, it will match their win in February of 2019.
The bench is cleared and all the starters are done for the night.
Pregame
Gonzaga and Brigham Young’s seasons are going in opposite directions.
The No. 2 Bulldogs (18-2, 7-0 WCC) are on a 11-game win streak going into a road meeting with the Cougars (17-7, 5-4) tonight at 7 p.m. on ESPN.
Meanwhile, BYU has dropped its last three games, losing to San Francisco 73-59 on Thursday and Santa Clara and Pacific last week.
Pacific hadn’t won in WCC play and was on a 7-game losing streak before beating BYU.
Gonzaga seems to be unstoppable, especially if freshman Chet Holmgren is playing at his best. The Bulldogs touted rookie scored 23 points with 12 rebounds and four blocks in a 92-62 win over San Diego on Thursday.
Series history
Gonzaga dominated BYU in its first meeting this year with a 110-84 win in the Kennel. The 26 point margin of victory was the third most in the 28-game series history, which the Bulldogs lead 21-7.
Team stats
Individual leaders
Game preview
More on the Zags
11:38 - GU 74, BYU 36: