The Gonzaga Bulldogs are moving on to the Elite Eight after beating the UCLA Bruins in a thrilling matchup on Thursday. The Bruins were up big in the first half before the Bulldogs rallied to take the lead in the second half.
However, UCLA didn't give up as they went ahead with less than 15 seconds left in the game after Amari Bailey hit a clutch 3-point shot. With the Bruins up 76-75, Bulldogs head coach Mark Few called a timeout and drew up a great play.
Julian Strawther inbounded the ball on the other side of the court. Backup guard Hunter Sallis brought the ball down before giving it back to Strawther, who called game by hitting an insane logo 3-point shot to give the Zags the lead.
After a great defensive play by Malachi Smith on Tyger Campbell on the next possession, Strawther put the Bulldogs up by three points after splitting his free throws. UCLA had one last shot to force overtime, but Campbell missed the halfcourt prayer.
Gonzaga will now face UConn in the Elite 8 on Saturday. The Zags are back in the Elite 8 for the first time since 2021 and the fifth time under coach Few. They are still looking for their first NCAA championship title.
Fans on social media went nuts after Julian Strawther's game-winner. It was a roller coaster of a game, which might be the best of the tournament so far. Here are some of the best reactions on Twitter:
Gonzaga moves on to Elite 8 after win over UCLA
Gonzaga are moving on to the Elite Eight after their thrilling 79-76 win over UCLA. Julian Strawther was the hero after hitting the game-winning shot from beyond the arc. Strawther finished with 16 points and 10 rebounds, while Drew Timme carried the Zags for most the game.
Timme had a game-high 36 points with 13 rebounds and four assists. Malachi Smith added 13 points off the bench as the Bulldogs set up a matchup against the UConn Huskies on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Jaime Jaquez Jr. had a big night for the Bruins. He had 29 points, 11 rebounds and three assists, while Amari Bailey contributed 19 points and five rebounds. Tyger Campbell added 14 points, two rebounds and nine assists.
UCLA had a 13-point lead at the end of the first half, but the Zags stormed back to take the lead in the second half. They were up by 10 points with just two minutes remaining, but the Bruins went on a crazy run to get back the lead. However, Strawther saved the Bulldogs by hitting the game-winner.
Dawn Staley, Geno Auriemma, or Kim Mulkey - who is NCAAW's highest-paid coach? Find out here