Gonzaga’s Shot at the Buzzer Beats Loyola in Overtime, 97-95

SPOKANE — Felix McGowan made a 12-foot jumper as time ran out in overtime to give Gonzaga a 97-95 victory over Loyola Marymount in a West Coast Conference game Saturday night.

McGowan’s shot came after Loyola’s Terrell Lowery, who had 39 points, made a three-pointer to tie the score at 95.

Loyola’s John O’Connell sent the game into overtime with a 14-foot shot at the buzzer that tied the score at 87.

The Lions, playing their fifth consecutive road game, fell to 7-8 overall and 0-3 in the WCC. Gonzaga is 11-1, 1-1.

Loyola Coach Jay Hillock said: “We played very hard the whole game. We had a couple of lapses, one right before the half where we dug ourselves a hole, which made it difficult to come back. But we showed a lot of heart in the comeback.

“Another key was when we failed to score in the first couple of possessions in overtime. The kid (McGowan) made a very athletic move and hit an unbelievable shot to win the game.

“Based upon the early returns around the conference this year, the race is up for grabs. We have some work to do, but the race won’t be decided until the end.”

Jeff Brown had 23 points and seven rebounds to lead Gonzaga, which led by 52-42 with 17:20 to play.