Rising Tides: Gonzaga's Climb in Collegiate Basketball
Bulldogs Secure Higher National Ranking
Following a flawless week that included a crucial 94-86 away win against the Santa Clara Broncos, the Gonzaga Bulldogs (25-2, 13-1 WCC) have advanced to the 11th position in the most recent Associated Press Poll. The team, now leading the West Coast Conference, accumulated 903 total points, showcasing their dominance.
Conference Rivals' Standing in the Polls
While the Santa Clara Broncos are no longer receiving votes from the media, their conference counterparts, the Saint Mary's Gaels, have managed to secure three votes, indicating a slight recognition of their performance within the competitive landscape.
Gonzaga's Strong Position in Bracketology
With Selection Sunday less than a month away, Gonzaga is frequently projected as either a No. 3 or No. 4 seed in the majority of prevalent bracketology forecasts. This consistent high seeding reflects their strong season and anticipated deep run in the national championship tournament.
Advanced Metrics Highlight Team's Prowess
In the NCAA Evaluation Tool (NET) rankings, coach Mark Few's squad has ascended to the 6th spot, boasting an impressive 6-1 record in Quad 1 opportunities. Concurrently, in the KenPom rankings, the Bulldogs have also moved up to No. 10, distinguished by their 19th-ranked offense and 13th-ranked defense nationally, illustrating a balanced and effective team.
Return to Elite Status in EvanMiya Rankings
After a brief absence from the top ten, EvanMiya's analytics have once again placed Gonzaga at the 10th position, further solidifying their status as one of the premier teams in college basketball according to multiple advanced statistical models.
Anticipated West Coast Showdown
This week, the Bulldogs are scheduled for their annual journey to the Chase Center to face the San Francisco Dons on Wednesday, February 18th. This highly anticipated matchup will be broadcast live on ESPN2 at 8 p.m. Pacific Time, promising an exciting display of collegiate basketball rivalry.