Turiaf Gives It His Best Shot and Gonzaga Beats Georgia

Ronny Turiaf played well in regulation. He was great in overtime.

Turiaf scored all 11 of his team’s points in overtime and made several key defensive stops to lead 16th-ranked Gonzaga past Georgia, 82-76, on Saturday.

Turiaf, who finished with 22 points, had a key block in overtime as Gonzaga (3-1) avenged last season’s 95-83 loss at Athens, Ga.

Turiaf, who has been slowed by a foot injury this season, finished with nine rebounds and three blocks despite picking up his fourth foul with 8:45 left in regulation.

Turiaf made three of four free throws to start the overtime, giving Gonzaga a 74-71 lead. After Georgia’s Jonas Hayes made two free throws, Turiaf made it 76-73 with a turnaround jumper, then blocked Hayes’ shot and made a layup at the other end for a 78-73 lead.

Levi Stukes made a three-point basket and Georgia (2-1) trailed, 78-76, with 1:15 left. Gonzaga ran down the clock before Turiaf was fouled with eight seconds left.

He made both free throws, then rebounded Rashaad Wright’s missed shot at the other end. Turiaf made two final free throws with less than a second left.

“It was great in that he fought back from adversity,” Gonzaga Coach Mark Few said of Turiaf. “He likes to lull around, take a few punches, rope-a-dope, then he comes on strong at the end.”