Gonzaga guard Julian Strawther (0) passes the ball while defended by BYU guard Spencer Johnson (20) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023, in Spokane, Wash. Young Kwak, Associated Press
Sporting black uniforms in its final appearance at The Kennel as members of the West Coast Conference, BYU led No. 16 Gonzaga for most of the second half. But the Zags grabbed some critical offensive rebounds, and hit huge 3-pointers, in the final minutes to earn an 88-81 victory.
Gonzaga’s Julian Strawther finished with 26 points, including four 3-pointers, and Drew Timme added 19 points. Strawther buried a 3-pointer with 3:10 remaining to give the Zags a 74-73 advantage and they never trailed again.
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BYU guard Spencer Johnson (20) shoots while defended by Gonzaga forward Drew Timme (2) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023, in Spokane, Wash. (AP Photo/Young Kwak) | Young Kwak, Associated Press
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BYU forward Fousseyni Traore, back, fouls Gonzaga forward Drew Timme during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023, in Spokane, Wash. (AP Photo/Young Kwak) | Young Kwak, Associated Press
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BYU forward Fousseyni Traore, left, and Gonzaga guard Julian Strawther go after the ball during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023, in Spokane, Wash. (AP Photo/Young Kwak) | Young Kwak, Associated Press
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Gonzaga forward Anton Watson, left, taps the ball from BYU forward Gideon George during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023, in Spokane, Wash. (AP Photo/Young Kwak) | Young Kwak, Associated Press
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Gonzaga guard Malachi Smith, front, controls the ball while defended by BYU guard Jaxson Robinson during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023, in Spokane, Wash. Gonzaga won 88-81. (AP Photo/Young Kwak) | Young Kwak, Associated Press
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Gonzaga players celebrate during the second half of the team's NCAA college basketball game against BYU, Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023, in Spokane, Wash. Gonzaga won 88-81. (AP Photo/Young Kwak) | Young Kwak, Associated Press
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Gonzaga forward Anton Watson (22) shoots while defended by BYU forward Fousseyni Traore (45) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023, in Spokane, Wash. Gonzaga won 88-81. (AP Photo/Young Kwak) | Young Kwak, Associated Press
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BYU forward Tredyn Christensen, front, and Gonzaga forward Drew Timme go after a rebound during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023, in Spokane, Wash. Gonzaga won 88-81. (AP Photo/Young Kwak) | Young Kwak, Associated Press
BYU was led by Fousseyni Traore and Spencer Johnson, who scored 17 apiece.
The Zags led 77-75 when Dallin Hall missed a contested layup, then Jaxson Robinson fouled Strawther on a 3-point attempt with 37.1 seconds left. Strawther hit all three free throws.
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