Busting Brackets
Fansided

The Best Wins, Players, and Moments of Gonzaga’s 2016-2017 Season

By Connor Hope

March 7, 2017; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs celebrates after defeating the Saint Mary's Gaels in the finals of the West Coast Conference tournament at Orleans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
March 7, 2017; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs celebrates after defeating the Saint Mary's Gaels in the finals of the West Coast Conference tournament at Orleans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 11, 2017; Moraga, CA, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Johnathan Williams (3) and Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Nigel Williams-Goss (5) defend against St. Mary’s Gaels guard Emmett Naar (3) during the second half of the game at McKeon Pavilion. The Gonzaga Bulldogs defeated the St. Mary’s Gaels with a score of 74-64. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 11, 2017; Moraga, CA, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Johnathan Williams (3) and Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Nigel Williams-Goss (5) defend against St. Mary’s Gaels guard Emmett Naar (3) during the second half of the game at McKeon Pavilion. The Gonzaga Bulldogs defeated the St. Mary’s Gaels with a score of 74-64. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports /

Best Conference Win: Saint Mary’s (74-64)

The WCC, while not a weak conference, is not a powerhouse by any means. While Gonzaga seems to be in the top 25 every year, there are rarely any other teams from the WCC on that list.

That was not the case this year since the Saint Mary’s Gaels spent most of the season in the top 20. This Gaels team was good. Led by center Jock Landale, the Gaels played a very slow tempo that many teams could not match.

The Zags entered the game in Moraga having already beaten the Gaels 79-56 at home. While the Zags’ home win was convincing, McKeon Pavilion is a tough place to play, and the Gaels rarely lose at home.

The Zags used ball security and tough defense to overcome the home court advantage and beat the Gaels.

The top performers were Johnathan Williams and Przemek Karnowski, who combined for 36 points and 18 rebounds.

This game was billed as Gonzaga’s biggest WCC test, and they passed it with flying colors. While facing Saint Mary’s best team to date, Gonzaga was able to overcome all doubt and continue their undefeated start.