Gonzaga is headed to the Final Four for the first time in program history.
For the first time since ever, the Gonzaga Bulldogs are headed to the Final Four.
Let’s see how they did it.
NCAA tournament path
Defeated No. 16 South Dakota St., 66-46
The Bulldogs overcame a slow start to overpower the Jackrabbits. Gonzaga held South Dakota State to 24 points in the second half.
Defeated No. 8 Northwestern, 79-73
Gonzaga got off to an early lead, but Northwestern threatened late. Nigel Williams-Goss led the way with 20 points.
Defeated No. 4 West Virginia, 61-58
The Bulldogs escaped in what was perhaps the ugliest game they played all year. Jordan Mathews knocked down a clutch 3 to give the Zags the lead for good.
Defeated No. 11 Xavier, 83-59
Gonzaga dominated from start to finish. Johnathan Williams put the clamps on Trevon Bluiett while scoring 19 points of his own.
Key Players
PG Nigel Williams-Goss
The Washington transfer is an all-around stud. Williams-Goss is averaging 16.7 points, 5.9 rebounds and 4.6 assists, but he struggled in the tournament up until the Elite Eight. The junior dropped 23 against Xavier.
C Przemek Karnowski
The 7-1, 300-pounder is the anchor of Gonzaga’s nation-leading defense. The fifth-year senior is an outstanding passing big man; Karnowski averages 1.9 assists.
G/F Jordan Mathews
Mathews is the most accomplished shooter on the team. He leads Gonzaga in 3-point makes (79) and takes (204). Mathews transferred in from Cal, where he started for the Golden Bears last season.
Coach: Mark Few
The Final Four monkey is finally off of his back:
You can take Mark Few off that list of best coaches never to reach a #FinalFour pic.twitter.com/J3cQMP8NsI
— NCAA March Madness (@marchmadness) March 26, 2017
Up until now, Few was known as one of the best coaches to never make a national semifinal. In 18 years at Gonzaga, Few is 502-114.
Best wins this season
Nov. 25 – vs. Florida, 77-72
Nov. 27 – vs. Iowa State, 73-71
Dec. 3 – vs. Arizona, 69-62
