Seattle, WA (My Sportsbook) - Heather Bowman scored 23 points to lead the 12th-seeded Gonzaga Bulldogs to a 74-59 victory over the fifth-seeded Xavier Musketeers in first round play of the NCAA Tournament at the Bank of America Arena. Vivian Frieson added 17 points for Gonzaga (27-6), while Courtney Vandersloot posted a double-double consisting of 15 points and 11 rebounds. Ta'Shia Phillips put forth a historic effort for Xavier (25-7) in the loss. Phillips registered a double-double of 26 points and 18 rebounds, setting new school records in NCAA Tournament play for points, rebounds and field goals (11-of-18). Tudy Reed and Dee Dee Jernigan added 10 points apiece in the loss. The Zags held Xavier to a mere 34.3 percent shooting effort from the floor in the first half and went into the break with a 29-26 advantage. The Bulldogs pulled away in the second stanza, shooting a solid 50.0 percent from the floor, en route to the 15-point win. Gonzaga put forth a stingy defensive effort, holding Xavier to just 32.9 percent shooting, and that included an equally poor 3-of-19 clip from long range. It was the first-ever NCAA Tournament victory for Gonzaga, which will now take on Pittsburgh in the second round. |
