Dons give Zags a run for their money, but come up short
The San Francisco Dons gave the Gonzaga Bulldogs everything they could handle in San Francisco on February 7. The Zags ended up pulling out an 81-70 win.
This game was really closer than the score indicated. It was tied at halftime. The Dons seemed like they could not miss throughout most of the game. Kyle Wiltjer’s excellent second half shooting along with Gonzaga’s control of the tempo and momentum toward the end of the game sealed the deal.
Kyle Wiltjer kept his starting position and he led the Zags with 29 points and 11 rebounds. Kevin Pangos also played well, putting up 17 points along with four assists. Domantas Sabonis remained a strong force on the glass as he posted nine rebounds along with six points.
For San Francisco, Mark Tollefsen had a strong game with 18 points and
Feb 7, 2015; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco Dons center Mark Tollefsen (23) celebrates after scoring the final two points of the first half to tie the game with Gonzaga Bulldogs at War Memorial Gymnasium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports
four rebounds. The San Francisco big men were able to contain Gonzaga’s post players, aside from Wiltjer, pretty well. Przemek Karnowski was limited to only six points. This is pretty good considering that Karnowski is far taller than any San Francisco player.
Gonzaga’s Eric McClellan played seven minutes and showed some speed. He scored four points and added an assist as well as an offensive rebound. McClellan continues to be eased into the rotation. He is playing more and more key minutes with each game. It’s starting to look like he can make a real contribution to an already deep team.
The Zags will head home to face LMU in the Kennel on Thursday, February 12. They will look to extend the nation’s longest home winning streak to 39 games.
The Dons will also play on Thursday as they remain at home to take on Santa Clara.
Feb 7, 2015; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco Dons forward Nick Loew (33) shoots for two over San Francisco Dons center Kruize Pinkins (15) during the second half at War Memorial Gymnasium. Gonzaga won 81 to 70. Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports