seeing his athletic skills and his dual-threat ability as he continues to

LAS VEGAS -- Gonzaga has been the class of the West Coast Conference, regular hoisting regular-season and tournament trophies for nearly two decades. Even for a team such as this, finishing off another title sweep is a feel-good accomplishment. Sam Dower Jr. had 20 points and 13 rebounds, and Gonzaga held its ground during a second-half rally to beat BYU 75-64 Tuesday night for its 13th WCC championship. "It never gets old. Never gets old," Gonzaga coach Mark Few said. "Its obviously something we start talking about it and prepare for way back in the summer. For these guys to step up and make it happen, not only in the regular season but to win here and not share, is just an awesome, awesome accomplishment." Gonzaga (28-6) raced out to a 21-point lead in the first half, taking advantage of the Cougars late overtime game the night before. Once the Cougars got their legs and started chipping away at the lead, the Bulldogs had an answer, leaving no doubt about the NCAA tournament by earning the conferences automatic bid. Gary Bell Jr. had 14 points and David Stockton dished out seven assists to send the Bulldogs to the NCAA tournament for the 16th straight year. "We came in with the mindset and us controlling being in the tournament," Stockton said. "We didnt try to think about that, just winning the next game." BYU (23-11) rallied after a dismal first half, pulling within eight with 3 minutes left. The Cougars couldnt finish off the comeback and now have a long five-day wait until Selection Sunday. Tyler Haws had 24 points and Kyle Collinsworth added 13 before leaving with a right leg injury in the second half. "They really went after us at the start," coach Dave Rose said. "But our guys battled. We battled the whole game, got it to single digits, but couldnt get over the hump." Gonzaga and BYU split two meetings during the regular season. The Zags won the first one by 15 after hitting 10 of 22 3-pointers in Spokane. The Cougars were much better guarding the perimeter in Provo, limiting the Bulldogs to 4 of 18 shooting from 3-point range. Playing in its 17th straight WCC final, Gonzaga dominated early in the rubber match with a nearly perfect first half. Offensively, the Bulldogs built a quick nine-point lead and kept pouring it on behind Dower, who had 14 points on 7-of-11 shooting in the first half. Gonzaga was just as good defensively, contesting shots inside and getting out to BYUs shooters on the perimeter. The Cougars struggled against the Bulldogs pressure, missing 11 of their first 15 shots on their way to a 9-for-27 half. Gonzaga led by as much as 21 in the first half and was up 44-27 at the break. "From a coaching standpoint, thats how you want your guys this time of year," Few said. "Its the biggest stage thus far and we were in attack mode, we were playing great defence." Dower kept it rolling early in the second half, scoring on a hard drive with a foul, then throwing down a pair of dunks to put the Bulldogs up 53-33. BYU suffered another blow when Collinsworth had to be helped off the court midway through the second half, unable to put any weight on his right leg after going down under Gonzagas basket. Playing without its facilitator and second-leading scorer, the Cougars found a way to claw their way back. Haws has had trouble getting shots to fall in the WCC tournament and had a so-so first half, scoring nine points on 2-of-7 shooting. When his shots started to fall in the second half, so did Gonzagas lead. Haws hit a 3-pointer in rhythm to cut Gonzagas lead to 13 and the Cougars kept chipping away at the lead, getting it down to eight on two free throws by Haws with 2:56 left. That was it for BYU, though, leaving the Cougars to wait to see if the selection committee believes their resume is good enough for an NCAA tournament bid. "I think we should find ourselves in that tournament," said Haws, who made all 11 of his free throws after hitting all 14 in the semifinals against San Francisco. "This has been a challenging season, but I feel like our guys have come together and done enough to get in." Detroit Tigers Gear . Its not intended to be some magical formula and doesnt apply any context, like, for example, taking injuries into account. This remedial statistical method has gone 9-5 in picks through the first three rounds. Detroit Tigers Store . The 22-year-old slugger, who is no stranger to adversity, made up for it at the end. https://www.cheaptigers.com/ .com) - The game was all punts and field goals before Kodi Whitfields catch. Tigers Jerseys 2019 .C. - NASCAR team owner Rick Hendrick headlines this years electees into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame. Detroit Tigers Shirts . The Laval Rouge et Or defensive back/kick-returner gained the invitation following his showing Sunday at an NFL regional combine in Baltimore.MONTREAL -- Theres no doubt in Troy Smiths mind hell be the Montreal Alouettes starting quarterback when training camp opens in June. "In my mind, thats the only way I will prepare," he said via telephone from Columbus, Ohio. "Thats the only way I think I will do the team justice. "When you think the way youre supposed to, thats when you help the team most. When you hold back, when you dont allow yourself to reach your full potential obviously you hinder the team. I want to do nothing but help the team and the only way I can is thinking as the starter." Montreal agreed with Smith, a former Heisman Trophy winner at Ohio State, and youngster Tanner Marsh on three-year contracts Friday. Both took significant snaps with the club in 2013 after incumbent Anthony Calvillo suffered a season-ending concussion. Montreal continues to await official word from Calvillo, 41, regarding his CFL future. But in November, pro footballs all-time passing leader admitted hes leaning towards retirement. Jim Popp, Montreals head coach and GM, said there was plenty to like about Smiths play last season. "Im very impressed with Troys leadership, communication skills and ability to grab his teammates attention," Popp said. "Last season, Troy quickly proved to us he can adapt to the CFL and showed great promise for the future." Smith, 29, joined the Alouettes roughly midway through the season and took over as the starter Oct. 20, compiling a 2-1 record. Montreal finished third in the East Division with an 8-11 record and the six-foot, 225-pound Smith was under centre for the clubs 19-16 overtime loss to Hamilton in the conference semifinal. Late in the fourth quarter, game officials missed a pass interference call in the end zone on Montreals Duron Carter. Instead of getting the ball at the Hamilton one-yard line with a chance for the go-ahead touchdown, the Alouettes had to settle for a field goal to force overtime. "Losing on a fluke call does nothing but leave a bitter taste in my mouth," Smith said. "Playing last year makes me a liittle more hungry, a little more thirsty about having the chance and possibility to get to the Grey Cup.dddddddddddd "Its on." Marsh began his rookie season third on Montreals depth chart behind Calvillo and backup Josh Neiswander. On Aug. 22, the former Arkansas Tech star came off the bench to rally Montreal to a thrilling 39-38 home win over B.C., his 57-yard completion to Eric Deslauriers setting up the game-winning field goal. The six-foot-four, 218-pound Marsh finished his rookie season completing 56-of-106 passes for 972 yards with three TDs and eight interceptions. He also ran for 125 yards and two TDs on 21 carries. Heady stuff considering Marsh arrived in Montreal with low expectations. "I was just hoping to make the practice squad," he said via telephone from Russellville, Ark. "The next thing you know, a year later I sign an extension, which is pretty darn awesome." Popp said Marsh impressed with both his legs and arm. "Were excited about Tanner," he said. "Were looking forward to seeing his athletic skills and his dual-threat ability as he continues to develop into what we feel will be a premier player. "His performance versus B.C. made him an instant icon in Montreal. Marsh Madness continues." But Marsh understands hell return to Montreal in 2014 with no guarantees. "I got an extension so obviously they have faith in me," he said. "It gives me a chance to come back next year and compete. "It gives me a little confidence to come in and compete and know I have a chance to be the quarterback with the Montreal Alouettes for the next three years." Marsh has no indication what Calvillo will ultimately decide but admitted he was stunned by Calvillos football knowledge. "The biggest thing I learned last year was I have a lot to learn," Marsh said. "I remember A.C. and I going over reads and every little thing. "After that first meeting, I was like, Wow, theres a reason why hes the best. I learned more from him than I could even describe." ' ' '