Gonzaga nips UCLA in back-and-forth Candy 16 conflict

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LAS VEGAS — Julian Strawther hit a 3-pointer with 6 seconds left to reply a 3-pointer by UCLA’s Amari Bailey, lifting Gonzaga to a wild 79-76 NCAA Event win over UCLA Thursday evening within the Candy 16.

The Bruins (31-6), the West Area’s No. 2 seed, stormed again from an eight-point deficit within the last 1:05 and took a 76-75 lead on Bailey’s 3-pointer with 12.2 seconds left.

The Zags (31-5) introduced the ball up the ground and Strawther stepped right into a 3-pointer, sending Gonzaga followers to their toes.

Gonzaga’s Malachi Smith stole the ball from UCLA’s Tyger Campbell, however Strawther solely hit 1 of two free throws on the different finish, giving the Bruins an opportunity.

Campbell’s 3-pointer on the buzzer hit the again of the rim, sending the Zags speeding off the bench and into the Elite Eight towards UConn on Saturday.

Strawther’s shot, off a drop move, was harking back to the one Villanova’s Kris Jenkins made to clinch the 2016 nationwide championship.


Julian Strawther makes a game-winning three level basket towards the UCLA Bruins.
USA TODAY Sports activities

Gonzaga guard Malachi Smith reacts after their win against the UCLA Bruins, sending the Bulldogs to the Elite Eight.
Gonzaga guard Malachi Smith reacts after their win towards the UCLA Bruins, sending the Bulldogs to the Elite Eight.
USA TODAY Sports activities

It’s the second time Gonzaga has crushed UCLA on a last-second shot within the NCAA Event. Jalen Suggs crushed the Bruins the final time, hitting a working 3-pointer on the buzzer to ship the Zags to the 2021 nationwide championship recreation.

The flurry of a end began off extra like a prize battle, every staff taking its flip touchdown blows in a recreation of untamed swings. UCLA led by 13 on the half, however Gonzaga led by 10 with 2:30 left in recreation. Then UCLA didn’t make a shot for greater than 12 minutes, and nonetheless however rallied to steer 76-75 with 13 seconds left.


Jalen Suggs celebrated making the game winning basket against UCLA during overtime in a men's Final Four game in 2021.
Jalen Suggs celebrated making the sport successful basket towards UCLA throughout extra time in a males’s Closing 4 recreation in 2021.
AP

The Zags have been led by Drew Timme, who had 36 factors for his report tenth NCAA Event recreation with 20 factors.

Gonzaga additionally turned up the defensive strain after UCLA’s hot-shooting first half and led by eight, however Jaime Jaquez Jr. scored on a three-point play and a layup to chop it 74-71 with 45 seconds left. Timme then missed two free throws, organising Bailey’s shot.

Fortunately for the Zags, Strawther was on the mark along with his lengthy 3-pointer, sending them to the Elite Eight for the fifth time beneath coach Mark Few.

Jaquez completed with 29 factors and 11 rebounds.



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