The Final Four didn't disappoint in its opening as Gonzaga held on in the final seconds to beat South Carolina, 77-73. The Gamecocks had the opportunity to tie the game, but couldn't get a 3-point shot up before they were intentionally fouled and forced to the free throw line. An intentionally missed shot on the second try wasn't rebounded which spelled doom for South Carolina.
Nigel Williams-Goss led the way for the Bulldogs with 23 points on 9-of-16 shooting, six assists and five rebounds. Zach Collins chipped in 14 points, 13 rebounds and six blocks. Gonzaga will play in its first ever National championship game against the winner of Oregon and North Carolina.
After 18 years at the helm of the Bulldogs, Mark Few is finally there. It's not just talk anymore, as the mid-major program finally lived up to its tournament potential. Few showed got the depth and the height to finally win it all.
Przemek Karnowski is at the helm of the Gonzaga front court, and played well despite sitting some time in the first half after he was poked in the eye. He finished with 13 points and five rebounds, and Collins adequately filled his spot after he went down..
Though the nation's top defense allowed South Carolina to go on a late 14-0 run, they perservered and held the Gamecocks' star, Sindarious Thornwell, mostly quiet with 15 points on just 4-of-12 shooting.
It was a curshing end in a memorable run for Frank Martin and South Carolina, the Cinderella story of the 2017 NCAA Tournament. Led by senior guard Sindarius Thornwell, the Gamecocks took down Duke, Baylor and Florida with its staunch defense, ranked No. 2 in the country by KenPom. But it came to a close against the top team in the tournament.
Here's what you missed:
Gonzaga vs. South Carolina score, updates
Second Half
20:00: Karnowski back! He appears to be just fine.
Karnowski is back and he looks just fine. #FinalFour pic.twitter.com/oOtVN4w3Y9
— NCAA March Madness (@marchmadness) April 1, 2017
15:51: Gonzaga extends its lead to 11 points, as South Carolina struggles to find its rhythm.
10:55: 64-51, Gonzaga. Despite rolling his ankle, Nigel Williams-Goss is going off. He has 22 points on 9-of-12 shooting. Zach Collins has chipped in as well with three blocks.
AND-ONE! #FinalFour #UnitedWeZag pic.twitter.com/HrvN2K5yqX
— NCAA March Madness (@marchmadness) April 1, 2017
9:37: South Carolina cuts the lead down to six points, 65-59, after a Thornwell triple. Buckle up!
7:39: COMEBACK COMPLETE! All tied up at 65. The Gamecocks' defense has been lockdown.
14 unanswered by the Gamecocks!! #FinalFour #ForeverToThee pic.twitter.com/JHtDF5YIVC
— NCAA March Madness (@marchmadness) April 1, 2017
4:41: Now Gonzaga goes off on a 7-0 run to lead, 72-67. Karnowski is a factor again.
Karnowski looking to restore order for the Zags! #FinalFour pic.twitter.com/AZ4qrWv7Wl
— NCAA March Madness (@marchmadness) April 1, 2017
1:35: Gonzaga leads, 74-72. I'm sweating. You're sweating. We're all sweating.
0:12.7: South Carolina trails by three and they'll get the ball back. This. Is. Madness.
0:00: THAT'S IT. GONZAGA WINS!
First Half
Pregame: A South Carolina equestrian team member, a Gonzaga golfer, a North Carolina fencer and an Oregon volleyball player sang the National Anthem. WHO'S READY FOR SPORTS?!
A beautiful National Anthem by student-athletes from the #FinalFour schools. pic.twitter.com/nz96kP5FzB
— NCAA March Madness (@marchmadness) April 1, 2017
15:54: Gonzaga leads, 8-7, in the opening minutes. It's clear that Przemek Karnowski is going to be a problem. He's got two points, a rebound, an assist and multiple touches in the post already.
9:18: Gonzaga still has the advantage, 20-18. The Bulldogs keep working the inside, but South Carolina has been able to counter, finishing through contact on the inside.
What a dime 🔥#FinalFour pic.twitter.com/ZVIaW24mmr
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 1, 2017
7:32: South Carolina still trails, 24-21. Sindarius Thornwell has been held scoreless.
5:12: Karnowski got SWATTED by Chris Silva. He fell to the floor after he was also accidentally hit in the eye. He had to be subbed out, and walked back to the locker room.
0:44: The Zags are heating up! Gonzaga leads, 45-36. The team has hit 5-of-9 shots from distance in the half, the most recent Jordan Mathews one should have Bulldogs up multiple possessions at the half.
0:00: Gonzaga's Silas Melson hit a 3-point shot just second after the buzzer. South Carolina goes into the half down nine points.
HALF: Mark Few was not happy with his team's defensive effort.
Mark Few says Gonzaga will know more about Przemek Karnowski's status at the end of the half. #FinalFour pic.twitter.com/3bzGskmvi8
— NCAA March Madness (@marchmadness) April 1, 2017
