Amanda Knapp
The Gonzaga Bulldogs men's basketball team has had a string of successes over the years. They have won 27 consecutive games by double digits, which is the most by any team in the last 60 years. They have also won 29 out of 30 games by 10 or more points. In the 2020-21 season, they went 26-0 in the regular season and were the final undefeated team. They entered the 2021 NCAA tournament undefeated and won their first five games to reach the national championship, where they lost to Baylor. They were the first team to enter the tournament undefeated since Kentucky in 2015.
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What You'll Learn
The Gonzaga Bulldogs' historic 2020-21 season
The 2020-21 season was a historic one for the Gonzaga Bulldogs. They went 26-0 in the regular season, becoming the final undefeated team. This was the best start in college basketball history, and they were the first team to enter the NCAA tournament undefeated since Kentucky in 2015.
The Bulldogs had an impressive string of wins, beating Iowa, Kansas, West Virginia, Virginia, Auburn, San Francisco, and BYU in the regular season. They won their first five games in the NCAA tournament, defeating Norfolk State, Oklahoma, Creighton, USC, and UCLA in overtime. Their passing and offense were exceptional, with freshman Jalen Suggs leading the team with 8 assists against USC.
The Gonzaga Bulldogs had a historic run, winning 27 consecutive games by double digits, a feat unmatched in the last six decades. They also won 29 out of 30 games by 10 or more points, with only one five-point victory against West Virginia. The team earned the #1 overall seed in the tournament, showcasing their dominance and skill.
However, their undefeated season came to an end in the national championship game, where they lost to Baylor by a score of 86-70. Despite this loss, the 2020-21 Gonzaga Bulldogs are remembered as a legendary team, with an accumulation of 31 wins by an average of 22.4 points. Their impact and accomplishments solidified their place in college basketball history, and they are considered one of the greatest teams ever, regardless of the championship result.
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The Zags' rivalry with Saint Mary's
The Gonzaga Bulldogs and the Saint Mary's Gaels have developed one of the most intense and long-standing rivalries in college basketball. With both teams consistently ranking among the best in the West Coast Conference, their meetings have often decided the conference championship. The rivalry is fuelled by the contrasting styles of the teams and the close proximity of their campuses, with Saint Mary's located just over 400 miles away from Gonzaga in Moraga, California.
The intensity of the rivalry can be traced back to the early 2000s when both programs began their ascent to national prominence. Gonzaga, under the guidance of head coach Mark Few, established itself as a powerhouse, consistently reaching the NCAA Tournament. Saint Mary's, led by coach Randy Bennett, soon followed suit, challenging Gonzaga's dominance in the WCC. The two teams have traded conference championships and have regularly battled for supremacy in the conference tournament, ensuring that their rivalry remains at the forefront of West Coast college basketball.
The games between Gonzaga and Saint Mary's are often characterized by physicality and defensive toughness. Both teams pride themselves on their defensive prowess, and the games are usually low-scoring affairs. The rivalry has also featured several memorable moments and individual performances, including last-second shots and dominant displays by star players. The rivalry is also known for its passionate fan bases, with both the Gonzaga and Saint Mary's student sections creating an intense and lively atmosphere during their games.
One of the most memorable moments in the rivalry's history came in 2012 when Saint Mary's ended Gonzaga's 11-year streak of regular-season WCC titles. The Gaels, led by star guard Matthew Dellavedova, defeated the Bulldogs in both of their regular-season meetings and claimed the conference crown. However, Gonzaga responded by defeating Saint Mary's in the WCC Tournament final, showcasing the back-and-forth nature of their rivalry. The two programs have also enjoyed success on the national stage, with deep runs in the NCAA Tournament, further adding to the prestige and intensity of their rivalry.
The rivalry between Gonzaga and Saint Mary's extends beyond the basketball court, with both schools competing across various sports. However, it is on the hardwood that the rivalry is most intense and well-known. The proximity of the campuses ensures that the rivalry remains personal, with players and coaches often having a deep understanding of each other's styles and strategies. The Zags and Gaels regularly feature future NBA players, adding further talent and intrigue to their matchups.
As Gonzaga and Saint Mary's continue their success in the WCC and on the national stage, their rivalry remains a highlight of the college basketball calendar. The intense competition, defensive battles, and passionate fan bases ensure that the rivalry is one of the most captivating and enduring in the sport. With both programs consistently producing talented teams, the rivalry is set to continue providing thrilling matchups and deciding the outcome of the WCC for years to come.
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Gonzaga's win over Duke in 2018
Gonzaga's men's basketball team, the Bulldogs, has had a string of successes over the years, including several undefeated runs. However, the team has never finished an NCAA championship undefeated.
One of the most notable wins in Gonzaga Bulldogs history came against Duke in 2018. On November 21, 2018, the #3 Gonzaga Bulldogs defeated the #1 Duke Blue Devils 89-87 in the Maui Invitational Final. This win marked the first time that Gonzaga had beaten Duke and the first time they had defeated a number-one ranked team in their team's history.
The game was a closely contested matchup, with Gonzaga ultimately edging out a two-point victory. This win was significant for the Gonzaga Bulldogs program, as it demonstrated that they were an elite college basketball team, on par with the highly respected Duke Blue Devils.
The 2018 victory over Duke is considered one of the greatest wins in Gonzaga's history, showcasing the team's ability to rise to the occasion and compete with the best. The Bulldogs' performance in this game silenced critics who had previously claimed that Gonzaga was overrated.
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The Battle in Seattle
The Gonzaga Bulldogs men's basketball team has had an impressive run in recent years, with an undefeated regular season in 2020-21. The team went 26-0 in the regular season and entered the NCAA tournament as the top seed.
The Gonzaga Bulldogs' journey towards an undefeated season in 2020-21 was filled with thrilling moments. One notable game was their matchup against BYU in the WCC championship game. Gonzaga trailed by 12 points at halftime but mounted a remarkable comeback to win 88-78, clinching their 19th league tournament title. This win marked their 23rd straight game victory by double digits, a feat unmatched in at least six decades.
The Bulldogs continued their dominant run in the NCAA tournament, defeating Norfolk State, Oklahoma, Creighton, and USC. They escaped UCLA in overtime in the Final Four, thanks to a game-winning three-pointer from Jalen Suggs. However, their undefeated season came to an end in the national championship game, where they lost to Baylor 86-70.
The 2003 game between Gonzaga and Missouri, known as the "Battle in Seattle," was a significant moment in the team's history. It was the first time a regular-season Gonzaga basketball game was broadcast nationally on CBS Sports. Ranked third in the country, Missouri was the highest-ranked regular-season opponent Gonzaga had faced at that time. The Bulldogs emerged victorious, winning 87-80 in overtime. The game is also remembered for Adam Morrison's game-winning shot against Oklahoma State in the 2005 edition of the Battle in Seattle, sealing a 64-62 victory for the Bulldogs.
The Gonzaga Bulldogs have consistently been a top basketball program over the years, reaching 21 consecutive NCAA tournaments and achieving impressive winning streaks. Their journey towards an undefeated season in 2020-21 and their historic "Battle in Seattle" games against Missouri have contributed to their legacy as one of the sport's greatest teams.
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The Zags' 2021 NCAA tournament run
The Gonzaga Bulldogs men's basketball team has established itself as a major basketball powerhouse. They have been to every NCAA tournament since 1999, except in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Zags entered the 2021 NCAA Tournament with a 26-0 record, becoming the 20th team in men's Division I history to enter undefeated. They earned the No. 1 overall seed in the tournament, cruising to the national championship game. They beat Norfolk State, Oklahoma, Creighton, USC, and UCLA to reach the final game.
The Bulldogs had a Cinderella run in 1999, advancing to the Elite Eight. They have also appeared in all but one WCC conference title game since 1995 and won 21 of them. The team has made the Final Four twice, in 2017 and 2021, losing in the national championship game both times.
Gonzaga's biggest rivalry is with fellow West Coast Conference foe Saint Mary's. Analysts tout the matchup as one of the best college basketball rivalries on the West Coast, as both teams have consistently been the top two in the conference over the last two decades.
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Frequently asked questions
No, the Gonzaga Bulldogs men's basketball team is not undefeated. They went undefeated in the 2020-21 season until they lost to Baylor in the national championship game.
Gonzaga's biggest rivalry is with fellow West Coast Conference foe Saint Mary's. The two teams have consistently been the top two teams in the conference over the last 2 decades.
The Gonzaga men's basketball team has reached the NCAA Tournament 21 times consecutively. They have made it to the national championship game twice, in 2017 and 2021, but have never won the tournament.
