Helena Frye
The Gonzaga Bulldogs are an intercollegiate men's basketball team representing Gonzaga University. The team competes in the West Coast Conference (WCC) in Division I of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The Gonzaga Bulldogs have a rich history in basketball, dating back to February 1905, and have established themselves as a major basketball powerhouse. They have enjoyed numerous successes, including winning the WCC regular-season title and tournament, and have appeared in every NCAA tournament since 1999. The team's biggest rivalry is with fellow WCC foe Saint Mary's, with both teams consistently being the top two in the conference over the last two decades. While the Bulldogs have had many impressive wins, they have also experienced some losses and setbacks, such as their defeat to Baylor in the 2021 national championship game, ending their undefeated season. Other losses include defeats to Houston and BYU.
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Gonzaga Bulldogs men's basketball
The Gonzaga Bulldogs are an intercollegiate men's basketball programme representing Gonzaga University. The team competes in Division I of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and has established itself as a major basketball powerhouse. They have been to every NCAA tournament since 1999, making it to the Elite Eight that year.
Gonzaga plays its home games at the McCarthey Athletic Center in Spokane, Washington, and has a notable rivalry with Saint Mary's, with both teams consistently being the top two in the West Coast Conference over the last two decades. Gonzaga currently leads the series 81-35. The team also has an in-state rivalry with Washington, with whom they played a 10-year home-and-home series from 1997 to 2006.
The Bulldogs have had a string of successes, including winning the WCC regular-season title and the WCC tournament, despite what was considered a ""rebuilding year" due to player losses. In the 2018 Maui Invitational Final, Gonzaga defeated Duke 89-87 for their first win over a number-one-ranked team in team history. The 2020-21 season was also historic, with the team going 26-0 in the regular season and being the final undefeated team in the country. They earned the top seed in the tournament but lost to Baylor in the national championship game.
In March 2025, the Gonzaga Bulldogs suffered a defeat to the Houston Cougars, with a final score of 81-76. This loss prevented the Bulldogs from reaching the Sweet Sixteen for the sixth straight NCAA Tournament.
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Gonzaga's win over Duke
The Gonzaga Bulldogs men's basketball team has had several notable wins over the years, including a historic victory against Duke in 2018. On November 21, 2018, the #3 ranked Gonzaga Bulldogs defeated the #1 ranked Duke Blue Devils 89-87 in the Maui Invitational Final, marking their first-ever win over Duke and a top-ranked team. This win was particularly significant as it showcased Gonzaga's resilience and ability to bounce back after a ""rebuilding year" due to the loss of several key players.
In the 2018 Maui Invitational, Gonzaga's victory over Duke was a thrilling and closely contested game. With four blocks in the final 46 seconds, Gonzaga secured their win, ending the game with a score of 89-87. This win was a testament to the team's determination and defensive prowess, as they were able to make crucial plays down the stretch.
However, it's important to note that the rivalry between Gonzaga and Duke has seen its share of victories for both teams. In November 2021, Duke, led by freshman standout Paolo Banchero, handed Gonzaga their first loss of the season. Banchero's impressive performance, including a game-high 21 points, secured an 84-81 victory for Duke in what was touted as an early contender for one of the best regular-season games.
Despite this loss, Gonzaga has consistently proven their prowess on the court, with a strong record in the NCAA tournament and a well-established basketball program. The rivalry between Gonzaga and Duke has produced several memorable games, with both teams showcasing their talent and determination. While Gonzaga suffered a defeat in the 2021 season, their 2018 win over Duke remains a significant moment in the team's history, demonstrating their ability to rise to the challenge and claim victory against a top-ranked opponent.
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Gonzaga's undefeated run in 2020-21
Gonzaga Bulldogs men's basketball team had a historic run in the 2020-21 season, going 26-0 in the regular season and being the final undefeated team in the country. They earned the number one seed in the tournament and made it to the national championship game, beating Norfolk State, Oklahoma, Creighton, USC, and UCLA along the way.
Gonzaga's impressive form extended beyond the 2020-21 season. Coming into that season, the team had been ranked number one for only 14 weeks in its entire history. However, in the 2020-21 season, they achieved this feat for a ninth consecutive week. They went 9-0 in non-conference play, the second time they had done this since 1958. They achieved this feat despite playing four ranked teams and travelling more than 12,000 miles. With wins over Kansas, West Virginia, Iowa, and Virginia, they became the first team ever to beat four top-20 opponents in their first seven games.
The Bulldogs had now won eight games in a row against ranked opposition. They had also won 46 home games in a row, 24 of them by 30 or more points, and 31 by at least 20. They led the nation in scoring and shooting, were third in assists per game, seventh in assist-turnover ratio, and 20th in rebound margin. They had also gone 39 games in a row, topping 50 percent inside the 3-point line.
Gonzaga was attempting to become the eighth national champion and the second in the last 45 years to spend an entire season ranked number one. They were seeking to win their first men's basketball national title and become the eighth team ever to win the championship undefeated. However, their undefeated season came to an end in the national championship game, losing to Baylor 86-70.
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Gonzaga's win in the West Coast Conference tournament
The Gonzaga Bulldogs men's basketball team has had a successful run in the West Coast Conference (WCC) tournament, winning the title multiple times and establishing themselves as a dominant force in college basketball.
In the 2025 West Coast Conference tournament, Gonzaga secured a hard-fought victory against Saint Mary's, with a final score of 58-51. This win marked Gonzaga's 22nd WCC tournament victory, with 20 of those wins under the leadership of coach Mark Few. The Bulldogs' success extended beyond the WCC, as they advanced to the NCAA tournament, showcasing their consistent excellence on a national stage.
Gonzaga's victory in the 2025 WCC tournament was particularly impressive given the team's previous losses to Saint Mary's during the regular season. With players like Braden Huff, scoring 18 points, and Khalif Battle, who was named to the West Coast Conference's All-Tournament Team, Gonzaga was able to turn the tables and secure the win. This triumph also extended Gonzaga's national record to 18 consecutive 25-win seasons, highlighting the team's consistent dominance.
The Gonzaga Bulldogs have a rich history in college basketball, with their program dating back to February 1905. Over the years, they have produced outstanding players, with 15 of them receiving the WCC Player of the Year award. The team has consistently performed well, making it to every NCAA tournament since 1999 and establishing a strong rivalry with Saint Mary's, a fellow West Coast Conference contender.
Gonzaga's win in the 2025 West Coast Conference tournament further solidified their position as a powerhouse in college basketball. With their combination of talented players, skilled coaching, and a strong basketball program, the Bulldogs continue to be a force to be reckoned with on the court, writing new chapters in their already impressive history.
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Gonzaga's players receiving WCC Player of the Year awards
The Gonzaga Bulldogs are an intercollegiate men's basketball programme representing Gonzaga University. The team competes in the West Coast Conference (WCC) in Division I of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The Gonzaga Bulldogs have had a lot of success in the WCC, winning 20 WCC Player of the Year awards, the most of any team in the conference.
Gonzaga's first WCC Player of the Year award came in 1961 when Frank Burgess averaged 32.4 points per game. Their most recent WCC Player of the Year was Rui Hachimura in 2019. In 2006, Adam Morrison won the award while averaging 28.1 points per game and was also named the Co-National Player of the Year for the 2005-06 season.
In addition to their WCC Player of the Year awards, Gonzaga players have also excelled in other WCC awards. In 2019, Brandon Clarke was named both Defender and Newcomer of the Year, while Filip Pretrusev was named to the WCC All-Freshman team. Gonzaga's success in the WCC is not limited to just player awards, as their coaches have also been recognised. In 2019, Mark Few was selected as the West Coast Conference's Men's Basketball Coach of the Year, and Lisa Fortier was named WCC Coach of the Year for the fourth time in five seasons.
Despite their success in the WCC, there have also been some notable snubs for Gonzaga players in WCC awards. In the 2024-25 season, Ryan Nembhard, who was leading the nation in assists, was not considered a finalist for the Bob Cousy Point Guard of the Year award. In the same season, Hickman, Graham Ike, and Nembhard were voted to the All-WCC first team, but none of the WCC's individual awards went to Gonzaga players.
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Frequently asked questions
No, they lost to Baylor 86-70 in the national championship.
Yes, they won the WCC tournament in 2025.
Their biggest rivalry is with Saint Mary's, with Gonzaga leading the series 81-35.
15 players from Gonzaga have received the WCC Player of the Year award.
The Gonzaga Bulldogs play their home games at the McCarthey Athletic Center in Spokane, Washington.
