WCC Game Recap: Gonzaga outlasts Santa Clara
By James Pigott
Jan 5, 2013; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs guard David Stockton (11) shoots the ball against the Santa Clara Broncos during the second half at Leavey Center. The Gonzaga Bulldogs defeated the Santa Clara Broncos 81-74. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
The Gonzaga Bulldogs defeated the Santa Clara Broncos 74-60 on Saturday at the McCarthy Athletic Center. Gonzaga was led by David Stockton, who scored a career high 21 points to go along with 4 steals and 3 assists. Kevin Pangos scored 17 for the Zags, and Angel Nunez scored 8 points and recorded 3 blocks in his first game in a Gonzaga uniform. Przemek Karnowski scored 10 points on 6/11 free throws and also hauled in 8 rebounds.
For Santa Clara, Brandon Clark was dominant in the second half scoring a game high 22 points. Jared Brownridge and Evan Roquemore contributed 12 and 11 points respectively for Santa Clara.
The game was a nail-biter most of the way until defense from Stockton and Nunez and three pointers from Pangos and Drew Barham led to a 10-0 Gonzaga run to put the Zags up 63-50 with 4:55 to go in the game. Stockton put the game out of reach with seven consecutive points in the final 2:37.
STAT(S) OF THE NIGHT
Gonzaga: Gary Bell Jr. and Gerard Coleman combined for a total of three points. This is the second consecutive game they’ve both been non-factors. Gonzaga will need them to step up at some points.
Santa Clara: Evan Roquemore had 7 turnovers, many of them coming in crucial situations in the second half. He’s a four-year starter and the floor general for Santa Clara, and for as many points as Brandon Clark will score, the Broncos will only go as far as Roquemore takes them.
MOVING FORWARD
Santa Clara played a solid game against Gonzaga and should have some confidence heading to the Chiles Center when they play Portland on Monday. If Brandon Clark stays hot, and the Broncos get some more production from their big men, they will have a chance to be competitive against the Pilots.
Gonzaga did what they could without Sam Dower, who they will need to guard San Francisco’s prolific frontcourt on Monday. While I am concerned about Bell and Coleman, this team has enough depth to overcome poor play by one or two of their rotation players.