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Gonzaga Basketball

GU-USD: 3 keys to the Bulldogs’ 79-43 win

Gonzaga guard Nigel Williams-Goss (5) eyes the basket during second half of a NCAA college basketball game, Thurs., Jan. 26, 2017, in the McCarthey Athletic Center. (Colin Mulvany / The Spokesman-Review)

The No. 3 Gonzaga Bulldogs dominated the San Diego Toreros 79-43 on Thursday at the McCarthey Athletic Center in Spokane. Here are the three keys to the Zags’ win:

Key moment

Gonzaga forward Johnathan Williams starts the game with a dunk over San Diego forward Cameron Neubauer, Jan. 26, 2107, in the McCarthey Athletic Center. (Dan Pelle / The Spokesman-Review)
Gonzaga forward Johnathan Williams starts the game with a dunk over San Diego forward Cameron Neubauer, Jan. 26, 2107, in the McCarthey Athletic Center. (Dan Pelle / The Spokesman-Review)

Gonzaga won the tip, and the Kennel erupted 16 seconds later when Johnathan Williams dunked to ignite an 8-0 GU run to open the game. Once the Bulldogs got in front of USD, they never looked back. The Toreros did have a glimmer of hope after a 3-pointer from Olin Carter trimmed the Gonzaga lead to five just over 5 minutes into the first half. But four straight layups from Nigel Williams-Goss quickly killed any momentum for the Toreros.

Offensive player of the game

Gonzaga guard Nigel Williams-Goss launches a shot over San Diego guard Tyler Williams, Jan. 26, 2107, in the McCarthey Athletic Center. (Dan Pelle / The Spokesman-Review)
Gonzaga guard Nigel Williams-Goss launches a shot over San Diego guard Tyler Williams, Jan. 26, 2107, in the McCarthey Athletic Center. (Dan Pelle / The Spokesman-Review)

Williams-Goss had 26 points against the Toreros, with 19 coming in the first half. He went 11 of 15 on field goals, including 2 of 3 on 3-point attempts.

Defensive player of the game

Gonzaga forward Johnathan Williams (3) grabs a rebound with the assist from Gonzaga center Przemek Karnowski (24) during first half of a NCAA college basketball game, Thurs., Jan. 26, 2017, in the McCarthey Athletic Center. (Colin Mulvany / The Spokesman-Review)
Gonzaga forward Johnathan Williams (3) grabs a rebound with the assist from Gonzaga center Przemek Karnowski (24) during first half of a NCAA college basketball game, Thurs., Jan. 26, 2017, in the McCarthey Athletic Center. (Colin Mulvany / The Spokesman-Review)

Williams had his first double-double of the season, with 13 points and 12 rebounds. His 12 rebounds were six more than Zach Collins, who was second on the team in boards.