The Zags are going on to the Sweet 16 after dominating the Iowa Hawkeyes. Gonzaga had four players in double digits and crashed the boards with 34 rebounds. The team was not stingy with the ball by any means with every starter having at least one assist. Domantas Sabonis stepped up big off the bench tallying 18 points and the Gonzaga Bulldogs would go on to win, 87-68.
Playing with a burst of energy from the outset, North Dakota State jumped out to a 9-4 lead over Gonzaga in the first two minutes … and we thought maybe this was going to be the upset we’ve been waiting for all day. But alas, it wasn’t meant to be. Gonzaga returned to being the Gonzaga we’ve seen all year and did just enough to hold on for a 86-76 victory, although NDSU never really went away in a valiant effort.
Kentucky and Virginia, the top two teams in the nation, have gotten it done this season by staying consistent on defense. No. 3 Gonzaga is no slouch on defense, but it is better known for its offensive prowess. While it’s all but certain that the Bulldogs will reach their 17th-consecutive NCAA Tournament, what makes this West Coast team seem especially strong this season?