18. Gonzaga (24-6)
We’ve talked about how Gonzaga was not an NCAA Tournament a month ago. The Bulldogs had just lost at home to Saint Mary’s, lacked any Quad 1 wins, and simply weren’t playing great basketball. They had a game where they struggled to put away Pacific, a team that just scored 9 points in a half on Friday night. But the past is in the past, and the Bulldogs are playing inspired basketball in recent weeks.
Gonzaga hasn’t had a game since last Saturday’s big win at Saint Mary’s, their third Quad 1 win during their current 8-game winning streak. This Bulldogs squad doesn’t have the same level of talent as some recent teams in Spokane, but they’ve really found their footing in recent wins over Kentucky and San Francisco as well.
Even with things looking much better, Gonzaga still has some question marks. Though they were dynamic against Saint Mary’s, their defense has had some questionable performances, even during this winning streak. Gonzaga has scored at least 80 in each of their last nine games against teams other than the Gaels; perhaps the two will meet again in the WCC final on Tuesday?