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Gonzaga-Santa Clara: 3 keys to the Bulldogs’ 77-68 win

The No. 4 Gonzaga Bulldogs defeated the Santa Clara Broncos 77-68 on Monday at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas. Here are the three keys to the Zags’ win:

Key moment

Gonzaga forward Zach Collins pumps his fist after nailing a shot late in the game against Santa Clara in their WCC semi-final game, March 6, 2017, at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas. (Dan Pelle / The Spokesman-Review)
Gonzaga forward Zach Collins pumps his fist after nailing a shot late in the game against Santa Clara in their WCC semi-final game, March 6, 2017, at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas. (Dan Pelle / The Spokesman-Review) Buy this photo

After Santa Clara pulled within five points of the Zags in the final two minutes of the game, Nigel Williams-Goss gave Gonzaga a boost by drilling a 3-pointer to strectch the GU lead to eight. On the next possession, Zach Collins found himself open beyone the arc and the freshman 7-footer didn’t hesitate when fed the ball, drilling a long 3 to put the Zags up 74-65 and seal the win.

Offensive player of the game

Gonzaga guard Nigel Williams-Goss (5) hits a 3-pointer late in the second half to put Santa Clara out of reach of a victory during a WCC Tournament semifinal basketball game, Mon., March 6, 2017, at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas. (Colin Mulvany / The Spokesman-Review)
Gonzaga guard Nigel Williams-Goss (5) hits a 3-pointer late in the second half to put Santa Clara out of reach of a victory during a WCC Tournament semifinal basketball game, Mon., March 6, 2017, at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas. (Colin Mulvany / The Spokesman-Review) Buy this photo

Williams-Goss led Gonzaga with 25 points and contributed to several key runs, including three straight makes at the rim in 10-0, first-half run that broke open a tie game.

Defensive player of the game

In a key play, Gonzaga center Przemek Karnowski (24) blocks a shot by Santa Clara guard Jared Brownridge (23) during the second half of a WCC Tournament semifinal basketball game, Mon., March 6, 2017, at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas. Colin Mulvany/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW (Colin Mulvany / The Spokesman-Review)
In a key play, Gonzaga center Przemek Karnowski (24) blocks a shot by Santa Clara guard Jared Brownridge (23) during the second half of a WCC Tournament semifinal basketball game, Mon., March 6, 2017, at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas. Colin Mulvany/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW (Colin Mulvany / The Spokesman-Review) Buy this photo

Przemek Karnowski pulled down six defensive rebounds (seven total) and had two blocks, including a big swat in the last few minutes that turned away a close-range shot from Santa Clara’s Jared Brownridge.