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SAN DIEGO (Ticker) -- Dan Dickau's second half gave Gonzaga another West Coast Conference title. Dickau scored 27 of his 29 points in the after halftime as the sixth-ranked Bulldogs claimed their fourth straight WCC title with a wild 96-90 victory over Pepperdine. Dickau simply buried Pepperdine (22-8) with an assortment of 3-pointers, drives and runners in the second half after an abysmal opening 20 minutes. The WCC Player of the Year's barrage helped the Bulldogs win their 14th straight game. A 3-pointer by Blake Stepp put Gonzaga (29-3) ahead for good at 70-67 with 7:36 remaining. Dickau nailed a 3-pointer 34 seconds later for a 74-69 cushion. The Waves drew within 76-72 on a 3-pointer by Devin Montgomery with 5:48 left, but Dickau nailed a 3-pointer of his own 18 seconds later. He came up with a steal and completed a four-point play for an 83-72 advantage. "He is a magical player," Gonzaga coach Mark Few said. "Hopefully, he has another magical run left in him (in the NCAA Tournament)." Montgomery finished with a career-high 27 points for Pepperdine, which must hope for an NCAA Tournament at-large bid. An up-and-down first half resulted in Pepperdine emerging with a 44-43 lead. Dickau had only one basket in the first 20 minutes. "They played good tight defense," Dickau said. "I knocked down a couple in the second half." Mike Westphal, coach Paul Westphal's son, nailed consecutive 3-pointers as Pepperdine took its largest lead at 58-51 with 13:44 left. The Waves were still ahead, 63-56, with just over 12 minutes left on a dunk by Jimmy Miggins. Dickau had a pair of baskets and Stepp added a jumper as Gonzaga pulled within a point. Miggins answered with a basket, but Dickau drained a 3-pointer to knot the game. The Bulldogs also used its muscle inside to overwhelm the Waves. Cory Violette had 16 points and 12 rebounds and Zach Gourde also scored 16 points. "This team is awesome," Dickau said. "Every one of these guys have stepped up this year at some time." A 3-pointer by Dickau with 90 seconds left gave the Bulldogs a 90-80 lead. It also brought the sizable contingent of Gonzaga fans to its feet, including Dickau's fiancee, Heather Nevenner. Dickau's best work may have come late in the game after two free throws by Montgomery pulled the Waves within 92-87 with 49 seconds left. He baited the officials into calling an intentional foul on Pepperdine freshman Terrance Johnson when Dickau fell dramatically despite no contact. Paul Westphal complained about the flop, but Dickau was undaunted. He pushed off trying to receive an inbounds with six seconds left, but no foul was called. Miggins scored 12 points and Glen McGowan netted 10 for Pepperdine, which shot 46 percent (31-of-68). But the Waves, who defeated UCLA and Southern California during the season, are at the mercy of the NCAA Tournament selection committee. |
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