Gonzaga’s Redemption: Bulldogs Set for NCAA Tournament After Conquering Saint Mary’s

In the world of college basketball, few rivalries are as intense as that between the Gonzaga Bulldogs and the Saint Mary’s Gaels. On March 11, 2025, this rivalry reached a fever pitch in the West Coast Conference (WCC) championship game, where Gonzaga emerged victorious with a 58-51 win, securing their 22nd WCC title and an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.

Gonzaga’s Redemption: Overcoming Regular-Season Setbacks

The championship game was particularly significant for Gonzaga, as Saint Mary’s had bested them twice during the regular season, including a 62-58 victory in Spokane on February 1. Determined to rewrite the narrative, the Bulldogs showcased resilience and strategic prowess in the title match.

Key Statistics from the WCC Championship

Braden Huff: Led Gonzaga with 18 points, shooting 50% (8-of-16) from the field.

Khalif Battle: Contributed 14 points while shooting 41.6% (5-of-12) and adding five steals, demonstrating defensive tenacity.

Graham Ike: Added 11 points on 45.4% (5-of-11) shooting and grabbed seven rebounds, providing a strong presence in the paint.

Ryan Nembhard: Dished out six assists, orchestrating the offense effectively while shooting 33.3% (2-of-6).


Team Statistics That Made the Difference

Gonzaga’s ability to control possession and force turnovers proved to be the decisive factor in this game:

Shooting Efficiency: Gonzaga shot 43.1% (22-of-51) from the field, compared to Saint Mary’s 34.6% (18-of-52).

Three-Point Shooting: The Bulldogs held Saint Mary’s to 0-of-16 (0%) from beyond the arc, while Gonzaga managed 28.5% (4-of-14).

Turnovers: Gonzaga committed only four turnovers, while forcing 18 turnovers from Saint Mary’s, which led to 20 points off turnovers.

Free Throw Advantage: Gonzaga went 10-of-13 (76.9%) from the line, while Saint Mary’s shot 15-of-18 (83.3%), though they struggled to capitalize on field goals.

Bench Points: The Bulldogs’ bench outscored Saint Mary’s reserves 16-4, adding much-needed depth.


Gonzaga’s defense was stellar, shutting down the Gaels’ perimeter shooting and capitalizing on their mistakes to secure the championship victory.



Looking Ahead: NCAA Tournament First-Round Preview

With the WCC title secured, Gonzaga (25-8) enters the NCAA Tournament as the No. 8 seed in the Midwest Region. They are slated to face the No. 9 seed Georgia Bulldogs (20-12) on March 20 at 1:35 p.m. PT at INTRUST Bank Arena in Wichita, Kansas.

Georgia’s Resurgence Under Coach Mike White

Georgia’s return to the NCAA Tournament marks their first appearance since 2015, a testament to the turnaround led by head coach Mike White. After a challenging 6-26 record under the previous regime, White has revitalized the program, leading the Bulldogs to a 20-12 record this season.

Key Players to Watch

Gonzaga:

Graham Ike: Averaging 17.1 PPG on 55.3% shooting, Ike’s efficiency in the post is crucial for Gonzaga’s offense.

Ryan Nembhard: Leading the nation with 9.8 assists per game, Nembhard’s playmaking abilities are pivotal for setting up the offense.


Georgia:

Asa Newell: The 6-foot-11 freshman leads the team with 15.3 PPG and 6.8 RPG, providing a significant presence on both ends of the court.

Tyrin Lawrence: Averaging 10.5 PPG, Lawrence’s return from a mid-season hamstring injury has bolstered Georgia’s backcourt.




Statistical Comparison

Gonzaga boasts the nation’s second-highest scoring offense, averaging 86.6 PPG, and leads in assist-to-turnover ratio. In contrast, Georgia averages 75.6 PPG but ranks higher in rebounding margin, which could be a factor in the matchup.



Betting Odds and Predictions

As of March 17, 2025, Gonzaga is favored by 6.5 points, with the over/under set at 151.5. ESPN’s analytics give Gonzaga a 71.3% chance of winning.



Conclusion

The upcoming clash between Gonzaga and Georgia promises to be an intriguing battle of contrasting styles and narratives. Gonzaga aims to capitalize on their offensive firepower and recent momentum, while Georgia seeks to continue their resurgence under Coach White’s leadership. Fans can anticipate a thrilling contest as both teams vie for a coveted spot in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.