NCAA Tournament - Gonzaga once again knocks out UCLA with late-game heroics
Yahoo Sports writer Krysten Peek recaps 3-seed Gonzaga's 79-76 win over 2-seed UCLA to advance to the West Regional final in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Video Transcript
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KRYSTEN PEEK: It's another crushing end for UCLA as Gonzaga ends their season for the second time in three years. This time in the Sweet 16, as the game came down to the wire with the Zags securing the win 79 to 76. UCLA's Amari Bailey hit a 3 to go up by 1 with 13 seconds left. But it was Julian Strawther that answered with a long 3 to take the lead for the Zags with seven seconds remaining.
This game had everything. Gonzaga erased a 13 point UCLA lead, and dominated the second half, leading by 10 points with 230 remaining in the game. The Bruins were without Pac 12 Defensive Player of the Year Jaylen Clark and top rebounder Adem Bona did not play either due to a shoulder injury.
The Zags were led by senior forward Drew Timme who has been phenomenal in the tournament and is the back to back WCC player of the year. He finished with 36 points, 13 rebounds, four assists, and two blocks in the win. Guard Julian Strawther finished with 16 points and 10 rebounds including hitting the game winner in his hometown of Las Vegas.
Gonzaga advances to the Elite Eight for the sixth time in program history and second time in three years. The Zags will face UConn in the West Regional final on Saturday. And for continual coverage on the NCAA tournament and all college basketball news, keep it right here on Yahoo Sports.
