Gonzaga-Villanova: 3 keys to the Wildcats’ 88-72 win

Key moment

Naturally, Villanova junior forward Mikal Bridges was in the middle of it. After the Zags closed within 53-46, Bridges drove for a bucket inside and then drained a 3-pointer. He also swatted a shot, leading to a Jalen Brunson layup in transition and a 60-48 lead. If that wasn’t enough, Bridges’ drive and dunk on two Zags pushed the lead to 66-51 and brought the Garden crowd to its feet.

Offensive player of the game

Junior forward Mikal Bridges hurt Gonzaga off the dribble and beyond the 3-point line. He poured in a career-high 28 points, 16 in the second half when several of his baskets stymied Gonzaga rallies. He made 8 of 14 shots, including 5 of 9 from beyond the 3-point line.

Defensive player of the game

Mikal Bridges was outstanding at the defensive end, too. He had a pair of blocks, one on Killian Tillie that helped fuel a key 7-2 run in the second half. Bridges finished with two blocks, one steal and six rebounds, five on the defensive end.