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Gonzaga Basketball

Silas Melson comes through again for Gonzaga against Saint Mary’s

Gonzaga’s Silas Melson (0) has his shot blocked by Saint Mary’s Dane Pineau, left, during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Feb. 11, 2017, in Moraga, Calif. At right is Saint Mary’s Calvin Hermanson (24). (Ben Margot / Associated Press)
By Jim Meehan jimm@spokesman.com(509) 459-5585

MORAGA, Calif. – Silas Melson had another outstanding performance off the bench in Gonzaga’s 74-64 win over Saint Mary’s on Saturday night.

The junior guard ended up playing 32 minutes, second only to Johnathan Williams’ 34, and was a difference-maker at both ends of the floor.

Melson made 4 of 5 shots, including both of his 3-point attempts. His second 3 extended Gonzaga’s lead to 54-44. He added another basket in the lane with 9:22 left to slow a Gaels’ rally.

“They’re on their home court and everyone’s on their side, but you have to weather the storm when people get runs on you,” Melson said. “If you can’t get stops, you have to go get easy buckets of your own. You find a few of them and you can end that.”

Melson also played a leading role defensively, helping contain Gaels guards working off high-ball screens, a staple of the Saint Mary’s offense.

“It’s just staying disciplined,” he said. “You guard them with all five guys, with people helping on the roll and then you’ve got to get back to the ball handler.”