The Gonzaga Bulldogs came out of the gate swinging on Sunday night in the WCC Tournament, pulling away from the San Francisco Dons early in what looked to be a rout. But the Dons came roaring back, staying within striking distance and inching closer ahead of halftime. Even still, the Bulldogs carried a 35-25 lead into the half and are 20 minutes from a berth in the WCC title game against Saint Mary’s.
The Bulldogs shared the scoring load in the first, with all eight players that saw floor time putting up points. Marquise Carter led the way with eight points, Elias Harris and Demetri Goodsen had six and Robert Sacre added four points. David Stockton came off the bench and pitched in four points, as well. Goodsen, Steven Gray and Sacre each had three rebounds, but Gray was off the mark for much of the first half, scoring just two points.
It was a two-man show for San Francisco as Perris Blackwell and Michael Williams scored 17 of the Dons’ 25 points. Black led the way with nine, followed closely by Williams, who had eight. Marko Petrovic added three points off the bench, as well. Blackwell had a team-high four assists and Rashad Green led the way with two assists.
With the WCC down this season, it’s likely the Zags have to win the WCC Tournament to make the NCAA Tournament, making this semifinal, and Monday’s final should they advance, of the utmost importance.
Stay tuned to our 2011 WCC Tournament StoryStream throughout the tournament for the latest news and updates. For another take, check out SB Nation Bay Area’s 2011 West Coast Conference Tournament StoryStream. For more on Gonzaga, check out SB Nation’s Slipper Still Fits.