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Gonzaga Basketball

GU-SCU: 3 keys to the Bulldogs’ 88-57 win

Gonzaga guard Silas Melson, center, drives to the basket against Santa Clara during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Thursday, Jan. 19, 2017, in Santa Clara, Calif. (Marcio Jose Sanchez / Associated Press)

The No. 4 Gonzaga Bulldogs defeated the Santa Clara Broncos 88-57 on Thursday at the Leavey Center in Santa Clara, California. Here are the three keys to the Zags’ win:

Key moment

The Zags were on top 19-12 when Silas Melson dropped a 3-pointer and followed with a driving layup. Those were the first five points in 13-0 run that pushed Gonzaga’s lead to a commanding 32-12 late in the first half.

Offensive player of the game

Gonzaga center Przemek Karnowski shoots over Santa Clara center Tony Lewis during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Thursday, Jan. 19, 2017, in Santa Clara, Calif. (Marcio Jose Sanchez / AP)
Gonzaga center Przemek Karnowski shoots over Santa Clara center Tony Lewis during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Thursday, Jan. 19, 2017, in Santa Clara, Calif. (Marcio Jose Sanchez / AP)

Gonzaga center Przemek Karnowski scored 19 points in just 21 minutes. The 7-foot-1 senior made 6 of 7 shots and 7 of 9 free throws against SCU’s undersized front court. One Bronco fouled out and two others had four fouls.

Defensive player of the game

Gonzaga guard Nigel Williams-Goss (5) shoots between Santa Clara’s Jared Brownridge, left, and K.J. Feagin, right, during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Thursday, Jan. 19, 2017, in Santa Clara, Calif. (Marcio Jose Sanchez / Associated Press)
Gonzaga guard Nigel Williams-Goss (5) shoots between Santa Clara’s Jared Brownridge, left, and K.J. Feagin, right, during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Thursday, Jan. 19, 2017, in Santa Clara, Calif. (Marcio Jose Sanchez / Associated Press)

Junior guard Nigel Williams-Goss came up with a pair of steals to boost his team-leading total to 31 on the season. Williams-Goss turned in a solid night on defense. He helped limit KJ Feagin and Matt Hauser to a combined 5-of-19 shooting.