ZAGS 360: Week 13 – Number 1 Gonzaga Bulldogs celebrating 24-0 undefeated season
The Gonzaga Bulldogs are the undisputed, undefeated, number one team in the nation.
Gonzaga finished their last two games the same as the rest, with wins. The Gonzaga Bulldogs are the undisputed number one team in the nation. Baylor’s loss to Kansas on Saturday solidified that.
The Bulldogs have been a great team for quite some time. Since February 22, 2020, they have been winners. That was the last time they lost a game. They came through their COVID-19 postponement without any residual damage. Sadly the same cannot be said about other teams.
This week senior Corey Kispert played his last game ever at Gonzaga’s McCarthy Athletic Center. I wished that he could have received the ovation he deserves. Not to worry he will have his ovations in an NBA arena. The 6-foot-7 sharpshooter will be at least a top twenty prospect.
Here’s a quick review of the last two games of the regular season.
Gonzaga-89 vs. Santa Clara-75
The Santa Clara Broncos gave the Bulldogs quite a scare. This was not a regular Zags breakaway game. UCSC was relentless. Every time the Bulldogs would pull away with a 10 or 12 point lead, Santa Clara would fight back within single digits. I can’t remember the last time a team was still within striking distance late in a Gonzaga game.
Corey Kispert led the way with 25 points, seven rebounds, two steals, and one block. Drew Timme had 18 points – two in the first half and 16 in the second. Despite his four personal fouls (one a flagrant), Jalen Suggs had 13 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists, and two steals. Joel Ayayi contributed 11 points, nine rebounds, and two steals. Despite their wins, his team’s turnovers and personal fouls are a matter Coach Few should address before the NCAA tournament.
Gonzaga-86 vs. LMU-69
Many teams have wanted to be the first to beat the undefeated Zags. In the last game of the regular season, the Zags ran into an opponent who thought they had a chance, probably fueled by the Kansas defeat of Baylor earlier that night.
The Lions gave it a good try. This was a battle between two big men, and Drew Timme won. He had 13 points and seven rebounds. On his Senior Night, Corey Kispert hit three from beyond the arc in the first half. In total, he had 24 points, five rebounds, two steals, and one block. Backing him up was Joel Ayayi, who also had 13 points. Jalen Suggs had an incredible defensive second half, assisting and making his teammates better. He contributed 12 points and seven dimes.
What’s ahead
- Gonzaga has several players who could (and should) leave for the NBA draft. On the one hand, it’s sad to see them leave, but on the other hand, with their talents, they deserve to move on.
- The West Coast Conference is next, March 4-9, 2021. Last week, the Zags decided to attend. They have a bye until the semi-finals on March 8. While these may be the same teams Gonzaga played all season, the difference is they are all playing hard to get to the NCAA tournament. Let’s hope the Bulldogs do the same.
- Long Breaks. GU played Loyola on February 28. the next time they take the court is March 8, an eight-day layoff. Assuming the Bulldogs play in the WCC final on the ninth, their next game won’t happen until March 18 or 19. that’s another nine to ten days. Let’s hope they don’t get rusty.
What a season! As a writer for PNWS, this was one of my favorite teams to cover. I am honored to have had the job. Here at Pacific Northwest Sports, we wish the Gonzaga Bulldogs the very best in the conference and the NCAA tournament. PNWS also wishes Corey Kispert the best in the NBA Draft and Suggs and Ayayi should they also decide to go for it. I personally hope the Knicks get at least one.
Until next time, let’s all stay safe and healthy and Go, Zags!