Final Four 2017, Gonzaga vs. South Carolina: Highlights, score and recap

Highlights, score and recap of Saturday’s Final Four showdown between Gonzaga and South Carolina in the NCAA Tournament

Gonzaga battled through the interior to win this Final Four game. Though Karnowski struggled with a poke to the eye early, it was the Karnowski-Collins frontcourt that dominated and ultimately won the game for Gonzaga.

While Karnowski struggled with foul trouble throughout the game, he was also a formidable post presence for the Bulldogs. His 13 points, on 12 shots, were among the most on the team, and were one of the more reliable sources of points for the Gonzaga offense against South Carolina’s stout defense. He dominated Chris Silva and Maik Kotsar – when he wasn’t in foul trouble – to run Gonzaga to a comfortable lead. Though Collins was forced to pick up the slack during his foul trouble – and run into his own limits with 4 personal fouls during his own minutes – the clash inside ended up being decisive for Gonzaga. The freshman finished with a double-double, with 14 points and 13 rebounds. He was a huge part of winning this game.

Nigel Williams-Goss also brought his game to this Final Four. The junior had struggled so far this tournament, but brought a big game to the Final Four. His 23 points were absolutely key in sending Gonzaga to its first national championship game in its history.

When South Carolina had the ball, down 3, in the last few seconds, Gonzaga smartly (and possible unintentionally) gave a foul. After Thornwell missed his second free throw, Gonzaga was able to secure the points from the line to win the game. South Carolina threw up a desperation three after going down four, but it wouldn’t have been enough to grab the win. The Bulldogs celebrated for the win after holding off the Gamecocks’ late charge.

Three Stars

Nigel Williams-Goss did exactly what Gonzaga needed in this game. Though the veteran guard has struggled at times in this tournament, he came through in the most important game for Gonzaga. The guard hit 9 of his 15 shots for the Bulldogs, and finished with a team-high 23 points for the Bulldogs. He also dished 6 assists, and grabbed 5 rebounds for his team. It was a well-rounded, excellent game for the ‘junior’ to send his team to the national championship game.

PJ Dozier was the best player for the Gamecocks on the offensive end. The sophomore hit 7 of his 15 shots, and repeatedly took the challenge to the ‘Zags. His 17 points led the Gamecocks, and his 7-15 shooting was key in South Carolina’s late charge. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough for South Carolina, as they couldn’t catch up to Gonzaga in the last minutes.

Zach Collins picked up the slack for a foul-troubled Karnowski. Though Zach picked up four fouls of his own, he was key for Gonzaga in the minutes Karnowski was out. The freshman grabbed 13 rebounds and scored 14 points in securing Gonzaga its first berth in a national championship game. Without their backup center, Gonzaga might have been sunk after Karnowski’s fourth foul. With him, they’re still battling on in the Dance.

Highlights

Next Game

Gonzaga advances to the national championship game after the win. It’s the first chance for the top of the Dance in Gonzaga’s history. They’ll play the winner of the Oregon-North Carolina game, which tips off right after the end of this one. While Gonzaga will hope for less foul trouble in the last game, they’re clearly equipped to account for it . Collins and Karnowski will form the basis of their approach in the championship game this coming Monday.