Santa Clara stuns no. 16 Gonzaga behind Bryan’s career-best performance

WASHINGTON: Tyeree Bryan delivered a career-best performance with 35 points and seven 3-pointers, leading Santa Clara to a thrilling 103-99 victory over No. 16 Gonzaga in Spokane, Wash., on Saturday night. The win marked the Broncos’ first road triumph against Gonzaga in 18 years, dating back to February 12, 2007, during West Coast Conference play.

Adama Bal contributed 20 points, while Christoph Tilly added 17 on 7-of-9 shooting for Santa Clara (13-7, 5-2 WCC). Camaron Tongue chipped in 11 points as the Broncos drained 18 of 38 shots from beyond the arc and shot an impressive 53.7 percent overall.

Despite career-high efforts from Gonzaga’s Nolan Hickman, who scored 24 points and sank six 3-pointers, the Bulldogs (14-6, 5-2) fell short. Graham Ike scored 21 points, while Ryan Nembhard recorded 16 points and a career-high 15 assists. Braden Huff and Ben Gregg contributed 16 and 13 points, respectively.

Santa Clara built a commanding 93-80 lead after Christoph Tilly’s layup with 4:27 remaining. Gonzaga attempted a late comeback, but the Broncos’ hot shooting and defensive resilience sealed the upset.

The Bulldogs, who shot 54.5 percent from the field but only 10-for-28 from 3-point range, have now lost two straight games. Santa Clara’s victory underscores their growing presence in the WCC title race.