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Gonzaga Basketball

Gonzaga-BYU: 3 keys to the Bulldogs’ 93-63 victory over the Cougars

By Jim Meehan jimm@spokesman.com(509) 459-5585

Key moment

The Zags opened up a comfortable lead with an 18-2 run late in the first half. Rui Hachimura scored seven points, Brandon Clarke added two buckets and Zach Norvell Jr. drilled a 3-pointer as Gonzaga led 41-20. GU maintained a double-digit lead the rest of the way.

Offensive MVP

Clarke was unstoppable inside and added a 3-pointer for good measure. The 6-foot-8 forward made 10 of 13 shots and scored 23 points. He also had a pair of offensive rebounds and two assists.

Defensive MVP

Hachimura did a nice job on BYU’s Yoeli Childs, who averages a WCC-leading 22.3 points. Hachimura’s strength helped limit Childs’ catches and the Zags employed a double-team when Childs did get the ball. He finished with just 12 points. He made 3 of 11 field-goal attempts.

Gonzaga forward Brandon Clarke (15) blocks the shot from BYU guard Jahshire Hardnett (0) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Thursday, Jan. 31, 2019, in Provo, Utah. (Rick Bowmer / AP)
Gonzaga forward Brandon Clarke (15) blocks the shot from BYU guard Jahshire Hardnett (0) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Thursday, Jan. 31, 2019, in Provo, Utah. (Rick Bowmer / AP)