Gonzaga made the Sweet 16 each year from 1999-2001. The went again in 2006 and 2009. Then a drought started. Gonzaga lost in the Round of 32 in each of the 5 years that followed 2009, including in 2013 when they were a number 1 seed. As a number 2 seed this year, a Sweet 16 appearance was nearly essential. Nobody, Mark Few included, would have settled for less. There are even some rumblings from the fan base that anything short of a Final Four would be unacceptable. So far, Gonzaga has delivered.
The Bulldogs struggled for a time with North Dakota St. The Bison played a great game and cut Gonzaga's lead to just 6 at one point in the second half. Despite 22 points from Dexter Werner and 19 from last year's tournament hero for the Bison, Lawrence Alexander, Gonzaga pulled away. The Bulldogs got the win 86-76.
There was no such drama in round two. The past 5 years were put behind the Zags because they came out on fire in their game against Iowa. They took a 46-29 lead into halftime, and never let off the gas the rest of the way. They won the game running away, 87-68. So how far can Gonzaga go? Their first Elite 8 since 1999? Their first Final Four in school history? A national championship?
The Zags will be the favorite in their next matchup against UCLA. The Bruins barely squeaked in the tournament and many, us included, do not think the Bruins earned a bid. Still, they have made the most of this chance. They beat SMU on a goaltended three and then handled UAB to make it to this point. They are playing their best basketball of the year right now, but they have not seen a team like Gonzaga. Give the edge to the Zags here who are bigger and, frankly, just better. Not to mention the fact that Gonzaga beat UCLA by 13 earlier this season.
That would set up an Elite 8 game with either Duke or Utah. Gonzaga may have the advantage in either one of those matchups. Duke is not a particularly strong rebounding team - something Gonzaga does very well. Duke does not defend very well - Gonzaga has the highest shooting percentage of any team in college basketball. Utah has had a great season, but they finished the regular season just 3-4 over their last 7 games. They have won two straight in the NCAA Tournament, but there is no denying this team is not playing as strongly as they once were.
If things go Gonzaga's way, they would face a lower-seeded team in the Final Four no matter who comes out of the East bracket. There are a lot of things that need to happen between now and that time, but Gonzaga is one of a few teams who could give Kentucky a challenge. Will they get that opportunity? Time will tell.
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