No. 7 Gonzaga slips by San Diego 65-63

  • Associated Press
  • Saturday, February 2, 2013 10:40pm
  • SportsSports

SAN DIEGO — Gonzaga really had to earn a victory against San Diego.

David Stockton hit a runner in the lane with 55.9 seconds left after Kelly Olynyk scored on consecutive possessions and No. 7 Gonzaga held off San Diego 65-63 on Saturday night for its fourth straight win.

“We needed to make some plays down the stretch,” Olynyk said. “David Stockton came in and made some great plays getting into the lane and finding guys for layins. It was huge and then we just needed a couple of stops, and we finally got a couple.”

The Toreros still had a chance after Olynyk missed the front end of a one-and-one with 8 seconds left, but Elias Harris blocked Ken Rancifer’s shot and the Toreros couldn’t get off another.

“We battled,” Harris said after Gonzaga was outrebounded 38-32. “It was really physical. It went back and forth. They gave us a hell of a time rebounding the ball. They pushed us around.”

Harris scored 18 points for Gonzaga (21-2, 8-0 West Coast Conference), while Olynyk had 15 and Gary Bell Jr. 13.

“We really need to go back on Monday and go back to boxing out with more heart, Harris said, “because that today was not acceptable.”

The Bulldogs have won nine straight against the Toreros and 31 of 33.

Johnny Dee scored a game-high 21 points for USD (11-12, 4-4).

Gonzaga trailed 57-53 with 7½ minutes left before outscoring the Toreros 12-6.

Olynyk made two free throws, Kyle Dranginis made a baseline shot and Bell scored inside to tie it at 59.

Stockton stole the ball and fed Olynyk for a reverse layup and 61-59 lead with 3:12 left. San Diego turned over the ball and Olynyk made another layup for a four-point lead.

After Chris Anderson scored for USD, Olynyk missed a slam dunk that would have given the Zags some breathing room. They got it anyway when Olynyk rebounded and fed Stockton for a runner in the lane and a 65-61 lead with just under a minute left.

San Diego’s last points came on Dennis Kramer’s putback with 9.4 seconds left.

“It’s disappointing, obviously, but I’m really proud of our team,” San Diego coach Bill Grier said. “When you give that kind of effort and compete that hard, no matter what happens, you’re going to be happy with the fact that they battled.”

Gonzaga led 51-43 with 13 minutes left before USD began closing the gap. Dee made consecutive shots for the Toreros, including a 3-pointer to pull to 51-50.

After Bell made a putback for Gonzaga, Bulldogs coach Mark Few was whistled for a technical that helped give the momentum to the Toreros. Dee scored seven straight points, including making both free throws and then a 3-pointer to give USD a 55-53 lead with 9:22 left. Dee made a jumper in the key for a four-point lead.

The Toreros played Gonzaga even until the final three minutes of the first half, when the Bulldogs went on a 12-1 run to take a 36-27 lead.

Kevin Pangos had eight straight during the run, starting with consecutive 3-pointers followed by a layup after a steal by David Stockton. Harris finished it with four straight free throws.

The Toreros had gone ahead 19-17 after an 8-0 run that included two straight baskets by Chris Manresa and layups by Cameron Miles and Keith Stackhouse. USD’s last lead of the first half was 26-24 after Rancifer made a layup with 3:19 left.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Silvertips’ Kaden Hammell (47) enters the rink during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Patterson: Overachieving Silvertips had season worth celebrating

In a season when some thought the team’s playoff streak could end, Everett put together one of its greatest campaigns.

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Seattle Mariners' Mitch Haniger hits a single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 11, 2024, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Why the Mariners could win the AL West, and what could hold them back

Starting pitching, a renovated offense and regression in the AL West are in Seattle’s favor, but injury issues, bullpen concerns and the Houston Astros could be a problem.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

X
Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27

Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.