Key Players and Their Contributions

Top 25 Duke signee Cayden Boozer was a key cog in the win. He contributed 20 points and eight assists against Gonzaga. Boozer was a spark in the third quarter, opening the half on a personal 5-0 run and scoring 10 points in the period to give the Explorers a 41-35 advantage. He also set up his teammates for key baskets throughout the game.

Four-star North Carolina signee Derek Dixon sparked the Eagles down the stretch. He scored 22 points after halftime, connecting on six three-point shots to keep his squad close. Dixon opened up the scoring in the final period with six consecutive points on a pair of 3-pointers to tie things up at 41-41. He continued to make key plays and kept the game competitive.

Senior Cello Jackson's Impact

Senior Cello Jackson scored a key basket later in the fourth quarter, giving the Explorers the advantage. His contributions on the court were crucial in helping the team secure the victory.

Gonzaga's Struggles and Comebacks

A back-and-forth first half saw 10 lead changes. Gonzaga held a 18-16 advantage at the end of the first quarter and maintained a 29-27 halftime lead. However, the Explorers fought back and took the lead multiple times. In the second overtime, Gonzaga opened strong with five consecutive points after Dixon connected on another 3-pointer and Gurdak tipped home an offensive rebound. But the Explorers defense was stifling down the stretch, holding Gonzaga to just two points over the final two minutes.

Cameron Boozer's Dominance in the Fourth Quarter and Overtime

Cameron Boozer was the catalyst for the Explorers in their victory. He scored 20 of his game-high 29 points in the fourth quarter or overtime. His ability to make clutch shots and drive the team forward was evident throughout the game. From tying the game with tough 3-pointers to giving the Explorers the lead, Cameron's play was crucial in securing the win.

After five-star junior Gaskins and Dixon traded two-point baskets to keep the margin at five, Cameron Boozer connected on 1 of 2 free throws to cut the deficit to 70-66. He then converted an and-one through the foul to cut the deficit to 70-69 with 25 seconds remaining. In the final overtime, Cayden Boozer set him up on a back-door cut to give the Explorers a 77-74 lead. Cameron's clutch play was the difference in the game.

Columbus (5-1) returns to the floor against a pair of in-state opponents before a matchup against Archbishop Stepinac (White Plains, N.Y.) precedes a trip to the City of Palms Classic prior to Christmas. Gonzaga (1-1) looks to bounce back when they return to the floor on Monday for a matchup against Blair (Silver Springs, Md.) before hosting the Gonzaga D.C. Classic where they will take on St. Ignatius (Cleveland, Ohio) in their first round matchup.