ESPN News Services12:43 AM ET2 Minute Read
LAS VEGAS — Julian Strawther hit a 3-pointer with 6 seconds left to answer a 3-pointer from UCLA’s Amari Bailey, lifting 3-seed Gonzaga to a wild 79-76 NCAA tournament win over UCLA on Thursday night in Sweet 16.
The West Region No. 2 Bruins (31-6) stormed back from an eight-point deficit in the final 1:05 to take a 76-75 lead over Baileys 3-pointers by 12.2 seconds.
The Zags (31-5) grounded the ball and Strawther kicked into a 3-pointer, sending the Gonzaga fans to their feet.
Gonzaga’s Malachi Smith stole the ball from UCLA’s Tyger Campbell, but Strawther hit just 1 of 2 free throws at the other end, giving the Bruins a chance.
Campbell’s 3-pointer on the buzzer hit the back of the rim and sent the Zags off the bench into the Elite Eight against UConn on Saturday.
Strawther’s shot from a drop pass was reminiscent of Villanova’s Kris Jenkins shot to win the 2016 national championship.
It’s the second time Gonzaga has defeated UCLA in the last second in an NCAA tournament. Jalen Suggs crushed the Bruins last time out, hitting a running 3-pointer on the buzzer to send the Zags to the 2021 national championship game.
The ordeal of crossing the finish line began more like a prize fight, with each team taking turns landing shots in a game of wild swings. UCLA led by 13 at halftime, but Gonzaga led by 10 and 2:30 into the game. Then UCLA went without a shot for more than 12 minutes and still led 76-75 by 13 seconds.
Gonzaga’s Drew Timme had a game-high 36 points and 13 rebounds. He is the third player with 35 points and 10 rebounds in the sweet 16 or higher since 1985 and the first since Loyola Marymount’s Bo Kimble in the 1990 Elite Eight, according to research by ESPN Stats & Information.
The Zags upped the defensive pressure after UCLA’s torrid first half and led by eight, but Jaime Jaquez Jr. hit with a three-point play and a layup to cut to 74-71 with 45 seconds left. Timme then missed two free throws and set up Bailey’s shot.
Luckily for Gonzaga, Strawther hit the bull’s eye with his long 3-pointer and sent them into the Elite Eight for a fifth time under coach Mark Few.
Jaquez finished with 29 points and 11 rebounds.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.