Zags hang on, 71-67
Quick game story and gotta run for quotes.
By Jim Meehan
jimm@spokesman.com, (208) 765-7131
The second-seeded Bulldogs built a 10-point halftime lead, then repelled numerous second-half comebacks by No. 3 San Francisco and hung on for a 71-67 victory in the WCC men’s basketball tournament semifinals Sunday at the Orleans Arena.
Marquise Carter hit seven free throws in the last 43 seconds and forced a turnover on USF’s Cody Doolin as Gonzaga (23-9) advanced to the title game for the 14th straight season. Carter finished with a team-high 18 points to pace a balanced attack.
Top-seeded Saint Mary’s (24-7) defeated No. 4 Santa Clara 73-64. Gonzaga and Saint Mary’s shared the WCC regular-season title, splitting two thrillers that came down to the closing seconds.
Gonzaga led 61-51, but hit an offensive dry spell as USF closed with 62-60. The Dons had a couple chances to tie or take the lead but Rashad Green committed a turnover and then was called for a charging foul.
Mike Hart then stripped the ball from Green on a baseline drive and Carter was fouled with 42.8 seconds left. Carter hit both free throws, then did so again at 27.8 seconds and 19.7 seconds.
Williams hit a 3-pointer to pull USF within three. Green stole the inbound pass and called timeout, but the Dons didn’t have any left. USF was called for a technical and Carter hit 1 of 2 free throws to make it 69-65.