The Gonzaga Bulldogs entered their game against San Francisco on Saturday riding a 16-game winning streak, including 11 straight in WCC play. That streak and Gonzaga's No. 2 ranking appeared to be at risk for much of the 40 minutes against San Francisco as the Dons gave the Bulldogs all they could handle. Gonzaga eventually closed out the game and improved to 24-1 with a 81-70 win.
No. 2 Gonzaga holds off upset bid from San Francisco
The Bulldogs were challenged on the road, but were still able to come away with the win.
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Gonzaga has run into the occasional WCC road upset in recent years, but on paper San Francisco didn’t appear to be much of a threat coming into the game. San Francisco entered the game just 9-15 on the season and riding a four-game losing streak. Despite being outmatched, the Dons were able to stay within striking range. Gonzaga appeared ready to put the game away late, building out a 10-point lead with eight minutes to play. San Francisco came right back, trimming the lead down to three.
The Bulldogs made another separation run and went up eight with two minutes to play. Again the Dons didn’t go away easily, hitting a three to make it a five point game. That play, however, ended with a deadball contact foul on San Francisco. Gonzaga hit both free throws and the Dons were unable to make a final run.
With the win, Gonzaga remains undefeated in WCC play. The Bulldogs have six regular season games remaining and will head to LMU next week, sitting with a 24-1 record. Kyle Wiltjer was huge for Gonzaga, finishing with 29 points and 11 rebounds. Kevin Pangos was solid as well and hit some clutch free throws late in the game.
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