Jamie Schwaberow/NCAA Photos via Getty Images
Julian Strawther amassed 28 points and 10 rebounds to lead the No. 3 Gonzaga Bulldogs to an 82-70 win over the No. 14 Grand Canyon Antelopes in the first round of the NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament on Friday.
Gonzaga found itself in some first-half trouble after GCU took a 28-21 lead, but the Bulldogs closed on a 19-8 run thanks in part to Strawther, who scored nine of his 16 first-half points during this span.
That put Gonzaga in position to put its foot on the gas in the second half, where it led by as many as 22.
The defense in particular took over, holding GCU scoreless for six minutes and 30 seconds.
Strawther was the star of this show, however, and Twitter took notice.
sheffsaysftwatter @sheffsaysftwat1
God I love Julian Strawther #MarchMadness
Andy Patton @AndyPattonCBB
A lot of NBA scouts have plenty to report to their bosses about Julian Strawther after today’s performance
Draft Lead @DraftLead
Julian Strawther is having himself a game! Could really help almost any NBA team right away
Paul Werner @paulwerner89
Part of the formula for Gonzaga to have tournament success is Julian Strawther being the best player.
Gonzaga will now play either No. 6 TCU or No. 11 Arizona State in the second round on Sunday.
Watch March Madness Live to stream every tournament game through the Final Four.
