In an incredibly exciting and hard-fought game, Gonzaga beat a tough and talented TCU team 84-81. Gonzaga was led by Drew Timme with 28 points and another great post-game interview. Rasir Bolton, who was MIA in the first half, dropped a martial 17 in the second half. Anton Watson was incredible, nine points, 12 rebounds, four assists, three steals and a block. TCU was led by the immensely impressive Mike Miles, who had 24 points with four assists, and Emanuel Miller led the Horned Frogs with six rebounds.
Remember how many times you heard about how those tough, competitive games made all the difference during the March season? Here is your prime example. Gonzaga overcame the worst first half in recent memory to return to the Sweet 16 for the eighth consecutive season. It was also her eighth season with 30 wins in the last 11 years.
Gonzaga started incredibly slowly and was extremely fortunate to only lose by five, 38-33 in the half. Disturbed by TCU’s aggressive defense coupled with a lack of open looks, they shot 36% from field, 14% from threes (Bolton was 0 for 5) and 54% from the line.
Drew Timme scored 11 first-half points and drew at least six of TCU’s 13 first-half fouls. He single-handedly kept Gonzaga in the game despite sitting out the last four minutes of the half after picking up his second foul.
On the other hand, TCU, which has shot just 30% from deep this year, hit two of their four three-pointers, including one late in the half, to extend the lead to five. TCU moved the ball well (eight assists to GU’s five) and looked vastly superior in the transition game.
Gonzaga opened the second half looking like a different team, much more intense and in sync. Bolton, he of the terrible first half, hit his first two three-point attempts followed by another from Strawther to give GU their first 46-45 lead.
Gonzaga played much better, but Mike Miles Jr. kept TCU in the game. He hit two threes and a couple layups as both teams traded the lead for the next 10 minutes.
Two well-timed threes from Malachi Smith, Bolton’s crucial punches and Anton Watson doing a little of everything saw Gonzaga extend his lead to eight with eight minutes remaining.
Two notable pieces highlighted Gonzaga’s resurgence. Timme was called out with an offensive foul on a put back, and the next moment he had possession, he pulled off a rare three-pointer. Watson embarrassingly missed a dunk after a great pass from Bolton, but made up for it with a steal and a breakaway dunk on the next possession.
Dazed but unwilling to walk away, TCU cut the lead to two with seven minutes to go and never came close. It was vintage Timme time all the way.
Gonzaga continued to feed Drew the ball and he continued to score and draw fouls on TCU defenders. Questionable calls aside, Gonzaga extended the seven’s lead with a minute remaining, making the free throws they needed to make and displaying a toughness that should impress even the most ardent GU detractors.
Respect a well-trained and talented TCU squad who would never give up. They gave Gonzaga everything they could take.
Once again, Gonzaga advances to the second weekend of the tournament, meeting UCLA No. 2 in Las Vegas on Thursday at 6:45 p.m.
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