LAS VEGAS - How good were Nolan Hickman and Ryan Nembhard on Monday night?
As good as Mark Few has ever seen in his 25 years at the helm of Gonzaga's storied men's basketball program.
"We had 23 assists and three turnovers," said Few after Gonzaga's 89-77 victory over USF in the West Coast Conference Tournament semifinals. "I've been doing this 25 years and never had a line like that at Gonzaga. That's primarily these two guards up here (Ryan Nembhard and Nolan Hickman)."
Of the three turnovers Gonzaga committed, none came from their starting backcourt.
Hickman finished with 20 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds and no turnovers. Nembhard had 16 points, 12 assists, 6 rebounds and no turnovers.
It doesn't get much better than 18 assists and 0 turnovers from your starting guards.
"Honestly, I just let the game come to me," said Hickman. "I just take whatever the defense gives me, man. The first half, I didn't really have it going that much. I just didn't really have it going. That's all that is. Second half, got a few touches. Started to realize I could get it going the way I wanted to. That's just how it goes. A lot of these games with the GU team, there's different players who get off different nights. I just try to at least impact (the game) any way I can."
It was Hickman's third 20-point performance in the last four games. After the game he spoke about the leadership role he continues to embrace on this Gonzaga team.
"Honestly, I think it's a role we needed, man. Just me being a junior, I feel like my responsibility changed a little bit," said Hickman. "I've just experienced a lot more than these young guys. I just try to at least put some positivity in their ear, let them know that they're confident. You're here for a reason. That's pretty much what I try to preach to them as much as possible."
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