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Gonzaga Basketball

Gonzaga-Pacific: 3 keys to the Bulldogs’ 82-61 win

Gonzaga forward Johnathan Williams (3) blocks a shot by Pacific guard Keshon Montague (10) during the first half of an NCAA basketball game, Saturday, Feb. 18, 2017, at the McCarthey Athletic Center in Spokane. (Colin Mulvany / The Spokesman-Review)

The No. 1 Gonzaga Bulldogs defeated the Pacific Tigers 82-61 on Saturday at the McCarthey Atheltic Center in Spokane. Here are the three keys to the Zags’ win:

Key moment

The Zags were only up by three points with 8:45 remaining in the first half, but Johnathan Williams had a block to start a 16-4 run for the Bulldogs as they would jump out to a 37-22 lead. Josh Perkins hit two free throws eight seconds after Williams’ block, and Przemek Karnowski followed the free throws with a three-point play.

Offensive player of the game

Gonzaga guard Nigel Williams-Goss (5) dribbles the ball toward the key as Pacific forward Tonko Vuko (4) and Pacific forward Ray Bowles (22) defend during the first half of an NCAA basketball game, Saturday, Feb. 18, 2017, at the McCarthey Athletic Center in Spokane. (Colin Mulvany / The Spokesman-Review)
Gonzaga guard Nigel Williams-Goss (5) dribbles the ball toward the key as Pacific forward Tonko Vuko (4) and Pacific forward Ray Bowles (22) defend during the first half of an NCAA basketball game, Saturday, Feb. 18, 2017, at the McCarthey Athletic Center in Spokane. (Colin Mulvany / The Spokesman-Review) Buy this photo

Nigel Williams-Goss was perfect on free throws, 8-for-8, to lead the Zags offensively. The redshirt junior guard finished with 18 total points.

Defensive player of the game

Gonzaga forward Zach Collins shoots the ball as Pacific forward Jack Williams defends during the first half Saturday. (Colin Mulvany / The Spokesman-Review)
Gonzaga forward Zach Collins shoots the ball as Pacific forward Jack Williams defends during the first half Saturday. (Colin Mulvany / The Spokesman-Review) Buy this photo

Zach Collins pulled down nine rebounds and had five blocks on Saturday. The freshmen has made a big impact defensively for Gonzaga this year. He currently is third on the team with 120 rebounds.