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NCAA Basketball: Ranking of the only 12 teams that can win a national title in 2024-25

By Tristan Freeman

Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nate Oats and Auburn Tigers head coach Bruce Pearl shake hands before the game as Auburn Tigers take on Alabama Crimson Tide at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala., on Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024.
Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nate Oats and Auburn Tigers head coach Bruce Pearl shake hands before the game as Auburn Tigers take on Alabama Crimson Tide at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala., on Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024. / Jake Crandall / USA TODAY NETWORK
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5. Gonzaga Bulldogs - 7-2 

Technically, Gonzaga is unbeaten in regulation, having lost games to West Virginia and Kentucky in OT. At the same time, they blew double-digit halftime leads in both of them, with some weaknesses showing. They’re, at best, an average three-point shooting team, and the defense, at times, can give up runs, though their overall metrics are favorable on that end.

The Bulldogs are a top-3 scoring offense at over 90 ppg, with six players averaging in double figures. Graham Ike leads the way with 15.3 ppg, while point guard Ryan Nembhard leads NCAA Basketball with 10.7 apg. Arkansas transfer Khalif Battle (13.4 ppg) has given them a lift in the starting lineup as well.

Although the Bulldogs have had a couple of setbacks, they have also won over Arizona State, Indiana, and San Diego State and a 38-point blowout win over Baylor to open the season. They’ve been to at least the Sweet 16 for nine straight years and have the inside track to get another 1 seed out west.

But can this team win six straight games in March? They can beat anyone but have struggled to play great for all 40 minutes, giving future opponents hope that they can also get the upset. Upcoming games against UConn and UCLA will be the last major tests for the team outside of Saint Mary’s in WCC play before March.

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