SPOKANE, Wash. - Behind 27 points from PJ Pipes, Santa Clara laid everything on the line as they attempted to knock off the nation's No. 1 team, Gonzaga, but was ultimately unable to pull off the upset. The Broncos cut Gonzaga's lead to just six points midway through the second half, however their comeback attempt came up short as the Zags took control late and went on to win 81-69.
Pipes was red-hot from start to finish, scoring a season-high 27 on 10-of-12 FG attempts. He was 4-of-5 from 3-point range. Jalen Williams also finished in double figures with 15 points.
The Broncos started the night well as Pipes scored 12 points in the opening 20 minutes to lead all scorers. Santa Clara took the lead outright for the first time on a Parker Braun slam with 15:31 on the clock and tied the game six minutes later at 18-18 on a Jacob Holt layup. Gonzaga took charge on their ensuing possession and used a 20-4 run to take their largest lead of the half of 16 points with two minutes to go. The Broncos clawed their way back in with a 9-3 run to close the half and narrow the gap to 41-31 at the break.
The second half saw more good play from the Broncos as they shot 50 percent for the period. After Gonzaga pushed their lead to 12 with 12:00 to play, Santa Clara rattled off seven unanswered to to cut the deficit to six at 59-53. Ultimately, Gonzaga showed why they are among the nation's elite as they quickly pushed the lead back to double figures with under eight to play and did enough to hold on the rest of the way.
The Broncos finished the game with a 41.4 percent shooting clip against Gonzaga's 40.3 percent. Drew Timme led the Bulldogs 23 points while Andrew Nembhard added 21 points.
NOTES
- Pipes reached double figure scoring for the 19th time this season
- Jalen Williams reached double figures for the 26th time this season.
- Jaden Bediako finished with a season-best 10 rebounds.
POSTGAME VIDEO
.@HerbSendek recaps the Broncos' tough loss to No. 1 Gonzaga#StampedeAhead pic.twitter.com/JEoHhflirn
— Santa Clara Men's Basketball (@SantaClaraHoops) February 20, 2022
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