Gonzaga-BYU: 3 keys to the Cougars’ 82-68 victory over the Bulldogs

Key moment

Gonzaga had chipped a double-digit BYU lead to seven late in the third quarter, but tournament MVP Paisley Johnson opened the fourth with two baskets and a free throw, helping the Cougars pull away.

Offensive MVP

Even in defeat, Zykera Rice stood tall for Gonzaga. Rice shot 6 for 10 from the floor and 12 for 12 from the foul line to finish with a game-high 25 points. Rice did all that despite foul trouble that limited her to 24 minutes.

Defensive MVP

Sara Hamson, a 6-foot-7 sophomore center for BYU, intimidated the Zags inside. She had eight rebounds and four blocks, both game highs.