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Gonzaga Basketball

GU-Portland: 3 keys to the Bulldogs’ 73-52 win

Gonzaga forward Johnathan Williams dunks on Portland center Ray Barreno, Jan. 21, 2017, in the McCarthey Athletic Center. (Dan Pelle / The Spokesman-Review)

The No. 4 Gonzaga Bulldogs defeated the Portland Pilots 73-52 on Saturday at the McCarthey Athletic Center in Spokane. Here are the three keys to the Zags’ win:

Key moment

Portland had managed to hang with the Zags until Killian Tillie drained a 3-pointer just over midway through the second half. Following his 3-point shot, Nigel Williams-Goss hit two free-throws as they ignited an 18-3 run for the Bulldogs. GU jumped ahead 67-42 following the run.

Offensive player of the game

Gonzaga guard Nigel Williams-Goss (5) makes a pass around Portland guard Rashad Jackson (3) during first half of an NCAA basketball game, Sat., Jan. 21, 2017, in the McCarthey Athletic Center. (Colin Mulvany / The Spokesman-Review)
Gonzaga guard Nigel Williams-Goss (5) makes a pass around Portland guard Rashad Jackson (3) during first half of an NCAA basketball game, Sat., Jan. 21, 2017, in the McCarthey Athletic Center. (Colin Mulvany / The Spokesman-Review) Buy this photo

Wiliams-Goss led the Zags in scoring with 15 points. The do-it-all point guard made 8-of-10 free throws and three field goals before exiting the game in the second half with what he described as a hip injury.

Defensive player of the game

Forward Zach Collins (32) was a bright spot for Gonzaga’s rebounding on Saturday, finishing with a team-high nine. (Colin Mulvany / The Spokesman-Review)
Forward Zach Collins (32) was a bright spot for Gonzaga’s rebounding on Saturday, finishing with a team-high nine. (Colin Mulvany / The Spokesman-Review) Buy this photo

Zach Collins led the Zags in rebounds, blocks, and tied Josh Perkins for the lead in steals. Overall, he had nine rebounds, four blocks, and two steals.