By Malika Andrews |
Portland’s season is over, brought to a swift end by Domantis Sabonis’ sense of urgency. Gonzaga’s skilled big man coasted from end line to end line, splashing in 3-pointers and snatching rebounds while dancing circles around the Pilots’ defense. Gonzaga made quick work of Portland, establishing dominance early and coasting to a 92-67 win in the first round of the WCC Tournament in Las Vegas on Saturday night.
With the win, the Bulldogs advance to Monday’s semi-finals where they will face No. 3 seed BYU. Gonzaga has not missed the NCAA tournament in the last 17 years. The Zags have held their last 12 opponents to less than 70 points per game.
Sabonis was the whole package, finishing with 24 points highlighted by a behind the back and off the dribble layup.
“Sabonis was impressive,” Pilot head coach Eric Reveno said.
WCC Defensive Player of the Year Eric McClellan finished with a season high 26 points to lead all scorers. This was his second 20+ point game of the season for Gonzaga. Silas Melson finished with 15 points, for his sixth double figure game of the last seven.
Senior Bryce Pressley led Portland with 16-points. Alec Wintering, who was named to the WCC first team earlier this week, finished with 13 points for the Pilots. Sophomore D’Marques Tyson added 13 as well.
The Pilots led the WCC in 3-point shots this season, and clocked in at No. 26 nationally in made 3-pointers (9.1). But GU's strong zone defense has limited the Pilots in the past. Portland entered the game 7-of-42 from beyond the arc against Gonzaga. Gonzaga has now won 26 of their last 27 meetings with Portland.
Jazz Johnson’s 3-pointer cut Gonzaga’s once 10-point lead to six, but Sabonis’ savvy pump fakes and soft touches made him a tough cover and he was able to splash in a 3-pointer. The Pilots continuously cut into Gonzaga’s lead and made small ripples, but never made a splash.
“We just couldn’t get traction,” Reveno said. “We just couldn’t get the traction and consistency…”
Wintering, who led the Pilots in scoring this season, struggled in the first half, heading into the break with three fouls and only two points. At the half, Gonzaga held onto a 46-32 lead over Portland.
Sabonis did enough damage in the first half to sustain the Bulldogs through a second half slump. With just under 11 minutes remaining, Sabonis drove into the paint with a sweeping hook pass to set up McClellan for a lay up. The sophomore made a deep three on the next possession, proving his versatility.
With 11:20 remaining, Josh Perkins returned to Gonzaga’s bench with four fouls and less than a minute later, Wintering sat, with only four points, after earning his fourth foul.
Gonzaga’s size won out as expected. They held such a command they didn’t need to bring Sabonis in for crunch time.
The Bulldogs gained their largest lead (20) of the night off a 3-pointer from Josh Perkins. Perkins fouled out on the next possession with nine points and 5:17 remaining.
The game concludes Pressley’s career as a Pilot.
“It’s been a fun ride,” Pressley said. “Portland was one of two schools to recruit me out of high school and I am very grateful for that.”
Pressley said that he hopes to continue to play basketball after graduation.
With the win, Gonzaga continues their pursuit of their 19th WCC championship.
Malika Andrews is the sports editor for The Beacon. She can be reached at andrewsm17@up.edu or on Twitter @malika_andrews
