Gonzaga did not look so powerful when it lost consecutive games to Oregon State and Santa Clara in mid -January.
But a strong finish helped restore the order and the eighth seeded Zags (25-8) are in fixed form into Thursday’s collision against Ninth-seeded Georgia (20-12) in the Midwest Region first round at Wichita, can.
If Gonzaga prevails in the battle between two schools that go with bulldogs, it will be able to compete for their 10th straight Sweet 16 look.
The winner of this game will probably meet top seeds Houston, although 16th-seeded Siu Edwardsville will have something to say about it.
Gonzaga’s seed is the lowest since he was no. 11 2016. And yes, Zags reached Sweet 16.
Of course, this season, even Zags coach Mark F few were not always sure that his team would be part of the tournament.
“I hope for our fans, people who follow the program and stuff, that they understand after a year like this, nothing is given to you,” said few. “You earn your way into this tournament. That’s what makes it so special and such a fantastic, fantastic day to have your name called and see it blink up on the board.
“I think we have done it so many times that I think there is a sense of rights here. I hope they appreciate it after there were times this year where it probably looked like we would not do the tournament.”
Zags went 11-2 after the uneven distance in mid-January, including defeating Saint Mary’s to win the West Coast Conference tournament and make their 26th Rad in NCAA tournament. Only Kansas (35) and Michigan State (27) have longer dashes.
Gonzaga also extended his line of 25 wins to 18, a NCAA record.
Point Guard Ryan Nembhard leads the nation in assists per match (9.8) and has a total of 325 against only 76 sales. He is on average 10.8 points per match.
Graham Ike stands out forward with team best hosts of 17.1 points and 7.5 returns.
Georgia is struggle from being part of a strong southeastern conference that put 14 teams in the tour.
“We got a really tough opponent,” said few. “When you are in the 8-9 game you know you will have it.”
Georgia is part of the field for the first time since 2015. Coach Mike White took over a down-and-out 6-26 program and got Bulldogs into the tournament in its third season.
“A great performance for our program and this team,” White said. “Georgia dances. We have more basketball in front of us, so it’s a fantastic day. … We’re fired and ready to get to work.”
The bulldogs started 14-2 before encountering problems during Sec games. But a victory in the late season over Florida-that received a No 1 seed in the NCAA field-started a winning line with four games that insured Georgia would be part of March Madness.
Big Man Asa Newell-a player who few said Gonzaga recruited hard-have distinguished himself as a beginner with team best values of 15.3 points and 6.8 returns. Silas Demary Jr. Leads backcourt with team-leading brands with 56 3-point baskets and 54 steals to go with 13.4 points average.
“It has met,” White said. “We came to Georgia to rebuild and to get Georgia into a tournament, and that is special. However, we will celebrate this spring, and we will prepare for Gonzaga.” ‘
This is the first meeting between the teams since Gonzaga registered an 88-76 victory in the NIT season’s tipoff in New York in November 2014. Zags has won three of the five meetings all the time.
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