Instant classic, one for the ages.
Gonzaga Bulldogs freshman Jalen Suggs, the highest recruit of the men’s basketball program hit one of the most memorable shots in NCAA men’s basketball tournament history.
Chasing perfection and looking to become the first undefeated team to win a NCAA men’s basketball championship since the Indiana Hoosiers in 1975-76 — the Bulldogs survived and passed the ultimate test, winning a 93-90 overtime thriller against a well-coached and equally talented No. 11 UCLA Bruins.
A tight and well played national semi-final that featured 15 ties and 19 lead changes, came down to the last 3.3 seconds of overtime.
Down 90-88 with 10.9 seconds remaining in OT and in need of a basket, UCLA put the ball in Johnny Juzang’s hands. The tournament’s leading scorer got himself free off a shifty dribble but missed a contested floater. The Los Angeles born player grabbed his own rebound and tied the game at 90-90.
Gonzaga quickly inbounded the ball to a streaking Suggs who quickly pushed the ball down the floor and rose-up for the perfect game winning shot.
Living up to expectation, tonight’s game and 2016 North Carolina vs. Villanova are the only two Final Four games since 1985 that featured multiple game-tying or go-ahead shots in the final 5 seconds.
Canadian point guard Andrew Nembhard knocked down several crucial shots and was instrumental in running Gonzaga’s offense. Nembhard finished with 11 points, a game-high 8 assists in 42 minutes.
The Florida Gators transfer, has racked-up 27 assists in Gonzaga’s five tournament games for an incredible 4.5 assist to turnover ratio.
The undefeated No. 1 Gonzaga Bulldogs (31-0) will take on the No. 1 Baylor Bears (27-2) for the 2021 NCAA championship.
