16. Gonzaga (28-3)
It’s been a few months so some might have forgotten, but Gonzaga showed us something during nonconference play. The Bulldogs won a slew of games by double-digits over Alabama, Kentucky, UCLA, and a number of other notable teams. They then dove into their final season in the WCC and it’s hard to forget that shocking loss at Portland, but this week provided quite the opportunity as the regular season wrapped up.
Gonzaga wasted zero time avenging that lone slip-up, producing an 89-48 blowout win over Portland on Wednesday night. Graham Ike had 19 points and 8 rebounds in his usual dominance while Braeden Smith added 15 points off the bench. Despite building a 7-point halftime lead on Saturday, the Bulldogs would fall 70-59 at Saint Mary’s in quite the game. Ike had 17 points and Adam Miller put up 14 points, but the Gaels got the best of them in their final regular season matchup.
Losing at Saint Mary’s isn’t new but it’s still disappointing for Mark Few and company, especially after looking great in the opening half. In the grand scheme of things, this loss won’t cost the Bulldogs too much but you have to wonder what to think of this team. They’ll head to the WCC Tournament soon, but the long-range shooting hasn’t exactly been on fire and their offense can’t play like this when March Madness rolls around.