NCAA Basketball: 10 teams primed to lose early in 2023 NCAA Tournament
By Joey Loose
Gonzaga
Undefeated into the national title game just two seasons ago, Gonzaga is still hunting for their national title. This year’s team doesn’t exactly seem like the one that’ll finish the job, especially compared to some of those recent teams, but there’s still a lot to love about this year’s Bulldogs. They’ve beaten Alabama (by double digits), Xavier, Michigan State, and Kentucky, and boast the best offense in the nation this season.
A large part of that success is due to the return of Drew Timme, who’s averaging more than 21 points a game and leads this Bulldogs’ squad. Julian Strawther has really filled the scoresheets lately and has been just as important to this high-flying offense. This is a veteran squad that’s had success in the postseason before, with seniors Raisr Bolton and Anton Watson both having a major impact again this year.
However, Gonzaga has looked far more beatable in conference play than in years past. They lost at home to Loyola Marymount just over a month ago and already dropped their first game against Saint Mary’s. They also played horrifically on offense in a loss to Baylor near the beginning of the season. When the offense isn’t humming, anyone can beat this squad anywhere. They did fall in the Sweet Sixteen last season and it’s fair to say that this year’s team is slightly less talented than that team.