The Best Wins, Players, and Moments of Gonzaga’s 2016-2017 Season
By Connor Hope
As we approach one month since the end of the Gonzaga Bulldogs’ historic season, we remember the players, moments and games that made it possible.
“Gonzaga doesn’t play anybody. They play in a ‘truck-stop conference,’ The Zags always choke. They will be out in the first weekend. No way that this team makes the Final Four. They are the most overrated team in college basketball.”
These have been some of the criticisms that Gonzaga fans have had to deal with all year. It seemed like no matter how impressive the Bulldogs were or how many games they won nothing was good enough.
However, for every new criticism the Zags seemed to deliver a win. In a year that, for many, was a long time coming, Gonzaga finally seemed to be a National Championship contender.
Starting the season with 29 straight victories, the Bulldogs collected wins against Iowa State, Florida, Arizona, and Saint Mary’s. Each of these teams was a seven seed or higher in the tournament.
The Zags only loss came as the No. 1 team in the AP Poll when poor shooting led to a senior night upset by BYU. This loss, however, seemed to spark a hunger in the Zags that was missing. The Zags realized they could no longer coast and entered the postseason as a team on a mission.
In Vegas, Gonzaga had some early struggles with scoring but managed to hit their stride. In the end, they were able to secure their third victory over Saint Mary’s, earning themselves a 1-seed.
Even in the tournament, many fans did not give Gonzaga a chance at winning. With each of the Bulldogs five victories, people had reasons they would lose and excuses for their win.
Gonzaga managed to tune the noise out and not only made the first Final Four in program history but also competed in the first National Championship game.
Even though the Zags lost to North Carolina, this season gives Spokane a lot to remember and be happy about. Let’s look back on the best games, players and moments from Gonzaga’s historic year.