What's Happening?
The Gonzaga Bulldogs have climbed back into the AP Top 10 rankings after securing a victory over Pacific. Under the leadership of head coach Mark Few, the team has achieved a 27-2 overall record and a 15-1 record in conference play. This recent success
follows a challenging period where Gonzaga dropped to No. 12 after a loss to Portland. However, the team has since rebounded with a five-game winning streak, including significant road victories against Santa Clara, San Francisco, and Oregon State, as well as a dominant home win over Washington State. The Bulldogs' performance has been recognized by AP voters, moving them up from No. 11 to No. 9 in the latest poll. This marks the ninth week this season that Gonzaga has been ranked in the top ten, surpassing their top ten appearances in the previous two seasons combined.
Why It's Important?
Gonzaga's return to the top ten is significant for several reasons. It underscores the team's resilience and ability to recover from setbacks, which is crucial as they approach the postseason. The Bulldogs' strong performance also enhances their standing in various computer metrics, such as KenPom and Torvik, which are influential in NCAA tournament seeding. Being ranked in the top ten increases Gonzaga's visibility and prestige, potentially impacting recruitment and future scheduling. Additionally, their success contributes to the overall competitiveness of the West Coast Conference, which can affect the conference's representation in the NCAA tournament.
What's Next?
Gonzaga has two remaining regular-season games before the West Coast Conference Tournament. They will face Portland in Spokane and conclude the regular season against Saint Mary's in Moraga. These games are critical for maintaining their momentum and securing a favorable seed in the upcoming tournament. The outcomes will also influence their final ranking and positioning for the NCAA tournament, where they aim to make a deep run. The team's performance in these games will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, as it could set the tone for their postseason campaign.
