No. 17 Gonzaga routs Oklahoma 72-47

  • By Mark Didtler Associated Press
  • Friday, November 23, 2012 7:33pm
  • SportsSports

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Gonzaga put together a dominating performance in its latest win.

Elias Harris scored 18 points and the No. 17 Zags beat Oklahoma 72-47 in a semifinal matchup Friday night at the Old Spice Classic.

Kelly Olynyk, Gary Bell Jr., Kevin Pangos and Przemek Karnowski each had eight points for Gonzaga (5-0). The Zags out-rebounded Oklahoma 51-24.

“That was a really, really good win for us,” Gonzaga coach Mark Few said. “We played really good. Got back to playing our style. We attacked on the offense end all night, and did another great job playing defense.”

Oklahoma (3-1) got 13 points from Romero Osby. Isaiah Cousins had 10.

“Gonzaga did a terrific job in dictating pretty much in every way,” Sooners coach Lon Kruger said. “Anytime you get whipped that badly on the boards, you know they were a lot more physical, a lot more aggressive to loose balls. It’s a terrific learning opportunity for us, and we’ve got to get that from it. Otherwise it’s a waste of time. So we’ve got to learn from it.”

Gonzaga plays Davidson, which beat West Virginia 63-60, in Sunday night’s championship game. Oklahoma closes out the tourney Sunday against the Mountaineers.

Consecutive long-range jumpers by Bell and Harris, who also had slammed in a rebound, gave Gonzaga a 43-25 lead three minutes into the second half. Harris had 14 of his points during the second half.

“I think it was just the game coming to me at that point,” Harris said. “I played more aggressive. That was really the main key.”

Pangos’ 3-pointer extended the Zags’ lead to 53-31 with 12 minutes to play. Olynyk had an in-close basket and David Stockton scored on a layup as Gonzaga built a 59-34 lead midway through the second half.

Gonzaga got points from nine players — led by Bell with five — en route to a 32-22 halftime advantage.

“That’s one of the strengths of our team this year is depth,” Pangos said. “That’s a big thing with our team because we just wear down other teams.”

Stockton’s fast-break layup in the final minute gave Gonzaga a 32-21 lead.

Olynyk had a dunk and layup as Gonzaga went ahead 14-5 just over eight minutes into the game.

Oklahoma trailed just 14-8 despite going 2 for 15 from the field during the opening 10 1-2 minutes of play.

Steven Pledger’s jumper cut the Sooners’ deficit to 18-13 with eight minutes left in the half. Andrew Fitzgerald had a slam that got Oklahoma to 20-17 two minutes later.

Pangos’ jumper put Gonzaga up 25-19 four minutes before the intermission.

The Zags, winners of the 2008 Old Spice Classic, have won all five games they have played in the tourney.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

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.

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.

University of Washington's new men's basketball coach Danny Sprinkle meets the news media, Wednesday, March 27, 2024 in Seattle. (Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times via AP)
Taking over at Washington personal for men’s basketball coach Sprinkle

Danny Sprinkle spoke about his connection to the school during his introductory press conference Wednesday.

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

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.