1. Gonzaga comes through in final “major” test of the season
The non-conference schedule for the Bulldogs was viewed as their toughest ever under head coach Mark Few, with a number of battles against ranked opponents. So far, they’ve beaten Kentucky, Michigan State, and Xavier, while losing to Baylor, Purdue, and Texas. There’s no question that this team will get a high seed in the NCAA Tournament but were their chances of getting 1 seed out of the window?
The number of Quad 1 opportunities is fewer for Gonzaga going forward once they hit WCC play. And that’s what made Saturday’s matchup against No. 4 Alabama so important. A “neutral” win over them would serve as a signature victory going forward. It didn’t look that way early on, down by double figures in the first few minutes after an explosive offensive start by the Tide.
However, Alabama had another explosion, of turnovers afterward that allowed Gonzaga to not only get back into the game but create an offensive rhythm that propelled them to 100 points and a 10-point win. Drew Timme had 29 points and 10 rebounds, with the team shooting 57% from the field. Star freshman Brandon Miller had 36 points for the Tide but the defense clearly misses Nimari Burnett, who is out for a while with an injury.
Alabama is the toughest team that the Bulldogs will face until March, although a road trip at Saint Mary’s will always be difficult. Gonzaga may not ultimately get a 1 seed out West and will need both UCLA and Arizona to lose some games in Pac-12 play but at least now, the Bulldogs can make a case if they win out in WCC play.