In Monday's non-league contest, the host Paul VI Panthers basketball team scored a close 58-54 triumph over the Gonzaga Eagles.
Over 5,000
Checking in as we are back at Bender Arena, on the campus of American University, for the WCAC tournament final.
#1 seed Paul VI Panthers are taking on #2 seed Gonzaga Eagles. Oddly, Washington Post has Gonzaga as #1 in the DMV, PVI #2
But Kobe of that seeding matters tonight as these 2 national heavyweights fight it out for supremacy in the WCAC and DMV.
Both teams are loaded with talent. Gonzaga, like last year’s PVI team, is built around seniors. Their starting 5 are all seniors.
Gonzaga is looking for revenge from last year’s loss to the Panthers. Panthers are looking to make it 2 in a row, 3 of last 4.
Gonzaga college commits - Derek Dixon-UNC. Nyk Lewis-Xavier. Christian Gurdak-Va Tech. Will Harper-Richmond. Alex Touomou-Harvard.
Panthers college commits - Jaquan Womack-Towson. Adlan Elamin-Utah St Jacob Moore-uncommitted
Gonzaga’s 247Sports player rankings - 49-Derek Dixon. 55-Nyk Lewis. 111-Christian Gurdak
PVI’s 247Sports player Rankings Class of 2026 6-Jordan Smith, Jr.
The only head to head match this season was a 3 ptGonzaga win the end of January. PVI had beaten Gonzaga 7 straight times before the loss
They are introducing WCAC 1st team. From PVI Jordan Smith. From Gonzaga, Cristian Gurdak, Nyk Lewis and player of the year Derek Dixon
10 more minutes of warmups.
Over the last 10 seasons, PVI is 16-7 vs. Gonzaga. 13 of those games were decided by 10 or fewer points. Four games by 3 or less
Gonzaga’s last WCAC title was the 2018/19 season. They beat PVI in the semis and St. John’s in the final.
This is PVI’s 5th straight final appearance (no WCAC tourney in 20/21). Panthers are 2-2 in that stretch.
Gonzaga starting 5. Derek Dixon, Nyk Lewis, Will Harper, Alex Touomou & Christian Gurdak
Panther starting 5. Turk Brown, Jaquan Womack, Jacob Moore, Jordan Smith & Beau Daniels
Get ready to RUMBLE!!!
Jacob showing off his D
4:47. Gonzaga calls time to gain possession. Shud have been jump ball
2:44. Matt and Adlan in.
2:00
J with the drive and layin
50.1. Jacob back in for Matt
Smitty w the college 3 at the buzzer.
Panther D smothering as always. Need to keep that up all 4 quarters.
PVI ball to start second
Turk w steal dishes it to Smitty for roll in
4:42. PVI time. Gonzaga ball 11 sec on shot clock.
Adlan Smitty J Turk Jacob on court
Panther D forces shot clock violation
Panthers not scored in a while. Several bad possessions
Smitty 3 gets stuck on rim.
1:28. Adlan on line
Beau in for Jacob
Adlan misses 2
Panther D forces another shot clock violation
Smitty shot and Beau tap both off mark. Buzzer. Halftime.
What did PVI do, go over 5 mins without scoring. NOT good.
PVI scoring. Smitty 23. Jaquan 7. Jacob 3. Jacob playing awesome defense and hustle.
Gonzaga scoring Harper 9. Touomou 8. Dixon 6. Gurdak 2
Beau slamming the put back
4:42. Panther ball under basket
Smitty gets lead back
3:26. Smitty on line
Adlan in for Beau
What a play by Smitty.
Beau in for Jacob w 4 fouls
55.7. Guys diving all over floor
25.9. Turk shooting 2
Adlan 3 at buzzer off mark
8 mins to go. Anyone’s game. Panther need to keep up D pressure. Move ball on offense. Work for good shots.
PVI turnover
Jacob in for Beau
6:00
5:52. PVI full time.
Gonzaga ball after time. Panther D needs to keep at it.
3:21. Gonzaga full time. PVI ball on inbound. Smitty and Jacob each w 4 fouls. No one on Gonzaga in foul trouble.
Panthers need to score points.
J clutch 3 at shot clock.
2:25
1:41. Zag time. Panther ball
Smitty drives. Draws foul. 1:14
1:14. PVI time. Last foul on Harper not Gurdak. His 4th
Under .35
32.9 Smitty online
21.2. Panther ball. Up 2
17.7. Harper fouls out. Smitty to line PVI time.
13.2. Dixon on line
13.2. PVI time. Couldn’t get ball in. Last time out for PVI.
Sweaty palms. Nail biter.
PVI still has time out
11.4. Dixon fouls Adlan. Adlan to line.
7.9. Gonzaga time. Their ball. Full time out.
Dixon and Gurdack miss 3s. Jacob w final rebound. Game!!!
What a game. Smitty w 30 points. Game high.
Back to back WCAC champions.
State VISAA Tournament next.
Go Panthers!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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