LAS VEGAS—Julian Strawther hit a 3-pointer with 6 seconds left to answer a 3-pointer by UCLA’s Amari Bailey, lifting Gonzaga to a wild 79–76 NCAA Tournament win over UCLA Thursday night, March 23, in the Sweet 16.
The Bruins (31–6), the West Region’s No. 2 seed lost a 13 point lead at halftime, stormed back from an eight-point deficit in the final 1:05 and took a 76–75 lead on Bailey’s 3-pointer with 12.2 seconds left.
Tyger Campbell (10) of the UCLA Bruins drives past Hunter Sallis (5) of the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the second half in the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament in Las Vegas on March 23, 2023. (Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)The Zags (31-5) brought the ball up the floor and Strawther stepped into a 3-pointer, sending Gonzaga fans to their feet.
Gonzaga’s Malachi Smith stole the ball from UCLA’s Tyger Campbell, but Strawther only hit 1 of 2 free throws at the other end, giving the Bruins a chance.
Drew Timme (2) of the Gonzaga Bulldogs dribbles the ball against Kenneth Nwuba (14) of the UCLA Bruins during the second half in the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament in Las Vegas on March 23, 2023. (Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)Campbell’s 3-pointer at the buzzer hit the back of the rim, sending the Zags rushing off the bench and into the Elite Eight against UConn on Saturday.
By John Marshall