McConnell sinks slumping Zags

SPOKANE (AP) - Mickey McConnell scored 27 points, including the game-winning 10-footer, to give Saint Mary's a 73-71 victory over Gonzaga on Thursday night - its first road win over the Bulldogs since 1995.

McConnell scored 10 of the final 11 points for Saint Mary's (18-3, 6-0 West Coast Conference). He was 10 of 17 shooting, including 4 of 5 from 3-point range. Matt Dellavedova and Rob Jones added 15 points apiece for the Gaels.

Gonzaga (13-8, 3-3) was led by Elias Harris and Robert Sacre with 17 points apiece. Sam Dower had 15 points off the bench, and Steven Gray added 14.

Saint Mary's handed Gonzaga its first three-game WCC losing streak since the 1997 season. It's the second home loss for Gonzaga this season, in a building where it has won 85 of 91 games.

Gonzaga's run of 10 straight WCC titles is in serious jeopardy. The Gaels hold a three-game advantage in the standings.

Gonzaga had a 65-62 lead with 5:41 remaining, but that's when McConnell started his hot shooting.

He hit a clutch 3-pointer to tie the game at 65 with 3:44 left. A minute later, McConnell made a jumper and was fouled. His free throw gave Saint Mary's a 68-67 lead.

Sacre made two free throws, giving Gonzaga a 69-68 advantage.

McConnell came up big again, this time with a 15-foot jumper, and the Gaels regained the lead at 70-69.

Gonzaga hosts San Diego on Saturday.

SAINT MARY'S (18-3)

Steindl 0-3 0-0 0, Jones 6-11 1-2 15, Williams 1-3 0-0 2, Dellavedova 5-15 2-2 15, McConnell 10-17 4-5 27, Young 4-5 1-2 9, Holt 0-2 0-0 0, Walker II 2-2 1-2 5, Benson 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 28-58 9-13 73.

GONZAGA (13-8)

Harris 7-11 1-1 17, Monninghoff 1-1 0-0 3, Sacre 4-13 9-10 17, Goodson 0-6 1-2 1, Gray 6-14 1-2 14, Carter 1-2 2-2 4, Stockton 0-2 0-1 0, Olynyk 0-0 0-0 0, Hart 0-0 0-0 0, Dower 6-7 2-2 15. Totals 25-56 16-20 71.

Halftime_Gonzaga 37-35. 3-Point Goals_Saint Mary's 8-23 (McConnell 3-5, Dellavedova 3-9, Jones 2-6, Holt 0-1, Steindl 0-2), Gonzaga 5-13 (Harris 2-2, Monninghoff 1-1, Dower 1-1, Gray 1-5, Stockton 0-1, Goodson 0-3). Fouled Out_Gray. Rebounds_Saint Mary's 32 (Jones 13), Gonzaga 34 (Sacre 8). Assists_Saint Mary's 12 (McConnell 6), Gonzaga 10 (Goodson 4). Total Fouls_Saint Mary's 20, Gonzaga 19. A_6,000.