A Fast Start and Overpowering Finish
The fifth-seeded Gonzaga Bulldogs came out firing, quickly building up a 6-0 lead over the fourth-seeded Kansas Jayhawks. However, the Jayhawks responded, tying the game at 6-6. The teams traded baskets back and forth, with Kansas eventually taking a 15-4 lead. But Gonzaga refused to let the Jayhawks pull away, they battled back to tie the game at 18-18. The first half remained competitive, with Kansas holding a slim 44-43 lead at halftime.
A Dominant Second Half Performance
The Bulldogs came out in the second half with a renewed determination, scoring on their first 10 possessions as they went on an 18-5 run, taking a commanding 61-49 lead just five minutes into the half. Kansas struggled to keep up, as the Bulldogs continued to pour it on. Gonzaga's defense clamped down on the Jayhawks in the second half, holding them to just 23 points compared to the 32 points Gonzaga scored in the paint.
A Team Effort for the Bulldogs
Anton Watson led the way for Gonzaga, finishing with 21 points, but it was a total team effort as five Bulldogs players finished with double-digit scoring. Nolan Hickman shined with 17 points, Ben Gregg contributed with 15 points, Graham Ike added 15 points and nine rebounds, and off-the-bench Braden Huff put up 11 points.
Ryan Nembhard, while struggling to score himself, excelled as a playmaker, dishing out a team-leading 12 assists, breaking the Gonzaga single-season assists record.
Kansas' Offensive Struggles
On the other side of the court, Kansas couldn't find their rhythm offensively. They shot a dreadful 38.6% from the field and 40.9% from three-point range, far below their usual efficiency. Hunter Dickinson led the Jayhawks with 15 points, but other key players like Jalen Wilson and Gradey Dick failed to make a significant impact.
A Clear Path to the Sweet 16
With this victory, Gonzaga advances to the Sweet 16 for the ninth consecutive season and will now face the winner of the Purdue Boilermakers and Utah State matchup. The game is set to take place on Friday at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. For Kansas, the loss marks a disappointing end to their season and a missed opportunity to advance deep into the tournament.
The Bulldogs' impressive performance in the second half and overall dominance throughout the game highlights their determination and skill. Their ability to spread the scoring among multiple players and shut down the opposition's offense is a testament to their depth and defensive prowess. As they prepare for the Sweet 16, Gonzaga remains a team to watch, showcasing their strong championship aspirations.
