Gonzaga at Santa Clara Recap
By Phil Hoban
Feb 5, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Leo Roese (23) passes the ball off as Santa Clara Broncos guard Brandon Clark (3) defends during the second half at Leavey Center. Gonzaga won 77-63. Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports
While it isn’t quite March yet, there definitely was a fair share of madness last night in Santa Clara. Entering a packed Leavey Center, the Zags might’ve thought they were playing a home game with how rambunctious the student section was.
It seemed as if the game was going to be a blowout heading into the first timeout. Coach Few worked his offense through big man, Przemek Karnowski nearly every play to start the game in order to utilize the size advantage down low. He went to his signature low post move for two easy buckets and went to the line regularly in the first five minutes.
Coach Keating countered this attack with his ferocious guard play, led by 2014 WCC Newcomer of the Year, Jared Brownridge, who finished the game with 25 points. The Broncos came back around the ten minute mark and went on to take a 36-34 lead heading into half. A huge second half by the Zags, led by the spectacular all-around play from Kyle Wiltjer, who finished with 22 points and 6 boards, catapulted them to a commanding lead heading into the latter half of the game.
Though Brownridge continued to produce over and over again, the Bulldogs attack was too much as they finished the game with a 14 point victory. The Zags will continue their stay in the Bay with another battle against conference foe USF. The prospects look as good as ever for them to finish the season undefeated in conference play heading into the conference tourney as the number two team in the country.