6. Gonzaga (21-1)
We’re in that part of the season where Gonzaga can really mess things up but they can’t really help themselves. The Bulldogs are clearly the best team in the WCC once again and don’t really face significant challenges like most of the other ranked teams. Let’s not forget that this team has beaten Alabama, Kentucky, and several other notable foes but could they keep up the intensity in their own league?
Wednesday’s game was the latest affirmation of this, as the Bulldogs dealt with Pepperdine once again in an easy 84-60 win. Oddly enough, the five starters scored just 28 points, with Davis Fogle’s 17 points off the bench among the leaders. However, the weekend was more of a challenge as Gonzaga survived a late push from San Francisco, hanging on to win 68-66. Still playing without Graham Ike, the Bulldogs got enough from Jalen Warley with 19 points in the win.
Clearly Gonzaga really misses Ike and shot the ball terribly from outside the arc this past week. Regardless, the Bulldogs got two more wins and are now 9-0 and halfway through their final season in the WCC. We said they can’t help themselves but staying afloat and building confidence throughout their roster certainly helps for when March rolls around. Many eyes will be on next weekend’s battle against Saint Mary’s in Spokane.