Gonzaga-San Diego State: 3 keys to the Aztecs’ 72-70 victory

Key moment

Senior guard Trey Kell, battling an ankle injury and thigh bruise, took over down the stretch. He scored 10 of his 14 points in the final 3 minutes to carry the Aztecs to the finish line. He made 8 of 10 free throws in that span.

Offensive player of the game

San Diego State forward Jalen McDaniels delivered 15 points, contributing several key baskets and free throws to stall Gonzaga comebacks in the second half. He hit a pair of elbow jumpers against GU’s zone and brought the sell-out crowd to its feet with a follow dunk. The redshirt freshman from Federal Way (Washington) High eclipsed his season high by one point.

Defensive player of the game

SDSU guard Jeremy Hemsley was one of the reasons Gonzaga’s Josh Perkins had a miserable night. Hemsley hounded Perkins on the perimeter and the junior point guard finished with six turnovers. Hemsley and company also kept Perkins’ shooting in check. Perkins was 1 of 7 from the field.