Gonzaga Escapes WMG, Defeats San Francisco

Jan 16, 2014; Malibu, CA, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs center

(35) reacts after being fouled in the second half against the Pepperdine Waves at Firestone Fieldhouse. Gonzaga defeated Pepperdine 70-53. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Fielding-USA TODAY Sports

The Gonzaga Bulldogs (20-3, 10-1) have not fared well in War Memorial Gymnasium in the last few years. The Zags’ were able to escape the death trap that is WMG and defeated San Francisco by a score of 75 to 65.

Sam Dower led the Bulldogs with 24 points. Gary Bell Jr. and Przemek Karnowski also put up double digit points with 13 and 12 points respectively. Kyle Dranginis – who is 6’5” and a guard – grabbed 12 rebounds, which is a career high for him.

The Bulldogs only tallied 5 assists on the night, 2 of which came from Pangos and David Stockton and 1 that came from Kyle Dranginis.

Avry Holmes led the Dons in scoring with 18 points. Mark Tollefsen chipped in 15 as well. Matt Glover led the Dons in rebounding with 8. He also paced the Dons in assists with 5.

Neither team shot well. The Bulldogs shot 38.8 percent from the field and an uncharacteristic 18.8 percent from beyond the arc, while the Dons shot 34.5 percent from the field and 32.0 percent from 3.

With the victory, the Bulldogs notch their 20^th victory of the season, and potentially could hold a 3 game lead over the second place team in the WCC if BYU defeats Saint Mary’s. San Francisco will stay in second place in that situation.