USA Today via Reuters
Apr 5, 2021; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Baylor Bears forward Flo Thamba (0) blocks a shot by Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Corey Kispert (24) during the first half in the national championship game during the Final Four of the 2021 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Apr 5, 2021; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Baylor Bears forward Flo Thamba (0) blocks a shot by Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Corey Kispert (24) during the first half in the national championship game during the Final Four of the 2021 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
The Gonzaga Bulldogs have been no match for the Baylor Bears in the first half of the NCAA Tournament finals. The Bears were known to be the best defensive team in the nation, while Gonzaga came with the most potent offense. However, the defense is winning in this game so far, with the Bulldogs being dominated by the Bears.
The highlight defensive play of the game so far came when Baylor Bears‘ big-man, Flo Thamba, rose up to swat Corey Kispert’s shot away. Kispert is presumed to be a first-round draft pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, since he was one of the best players for the Bulldogs all season. But this game looks like a rough one for all the players with Gonzaga right now.
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Another look at this HUGE Bears block 🚫@BaylorMBB #NationalChampionship pic.twitter.com/6HkJsWp6KG
— NCAA March Madness (@marchmadness) April 6, 2021
While Gonzaga is slowly finding their rhythm, they still have a double-digit deficit to cover up. Fans have seen them do this before, as they were down by double-digits in their last regular-season game against the BYU Cougars. However, the Bears won’t be as easy to make a comeback on, especially when it seems like they have figured out the defensive strategy to contain Zaga.
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Gonzaga Bulldogs vs Baylor Bears: A comeback brewing?
The Gonzaga Bulldogs are looking to become the first undefeated team in 45 years to win the NCAA title. There have been many teams that went undefeated in the regular season but failed in the tournament. While the Bulldogs almost failed at the last step, Jalen Suggs ensured that they got to this point.
USA Today via Reuters
Apr 5, 2021; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Baylor Bears forward Flo Thamba (0) reacts after blocking a shot by Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Corey Kispert (24) in the first half during the national championship game in the Final Four of the 2021 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
However, the Baylor defense is overwhelming Gonzaga right now. Mark Few is one of the best coaches in the NCAA and has been beating teams based on his amazing sets. However, Scott Drew is no slouch of a coach either. These coaches run the best offensive team (Gonzaga) and the best defensive team (Baylor) in the country.
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No undefeated run has ended in the Finals, so this night will be historic either way. The Bulldogs get dangerous as the clock ticks and teams start to slow down. If the Bears’ defensive effort falls, Zaga could genuinely make a run to come back.
