USA Today via Reuters
Dec 26, 2020; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Corey Kispert (24) celebrates with teammates during the second half against the Virginia Cavaliers at Dickies Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 26, 2020; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Corey Kispert (24) celebrates with teammates during the second half against the Virginia Cavaliers at Dickies Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
The Gonzaga Bulldogs started the season ranked as the number one team. It has been almost two months now, but the Bulldogs are not ready to give up that spot. They currently boast an 11-0 record, and that is because of an incredible team effort so far.
The Bulldogs have five players averaging double-digit points, four of whom are shooting above 50% from the field. They are the only team in NCAA’s Division I to achieve this feat in the 2020-21 season. Gonzaga is also the first team since UCLA in 2016-17, to shoot 55% from the field as a team.
Gonzaga is the only team in Division I with 4 players averaging at least 10 PPG on 50% shooting (Corey Kispert, Drew Timme, Jalen Suggs, Joel Ayayi).
Gonzaga is currently shooting 55.4% as a team, the highest mark through 10 games of a season since 2016-17 UCLA. pic.twitter.com/zoGIClhK2m
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) January 8, 2021
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This excellent efficiency is what ranks them as the second best team in the country on offense. They have punished both ranked and unranked teams so far. Iowa, Kansas, WVU, and Virginia are some of the best teams they have faced this season, and in three of those four games, they have won by double-digit margins.
Can the Gonzaga Bulldogs break a 45-year-old record?
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Due to the coronavirus pandemic, many NCAA games have been canceled. So fans were denied an exciting clash between the two unbeaten teams, Bulldogs and the Baylor Bears. It could have ended their winning streak, but now they look like they will not stop.
They have already played all ranked opponents in their schedule now, and could potentially go unbeaten. One of the reasons why they can achieve this feat is due to the weakness of the rest of the West Coast Conference. Their toughest opponent now could be San Diego, but they should be able to coast through.
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 26, 2020; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Corey Kispert (24) celebrates with guard Jalen Suggs (1) and forward Drew Timme (2) during the second half against the Virginia Cavaliers at Dickies Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
While four other teams have gone unbeaten till the NCAA tournament in the last five decades, just one has gone on to win the NCAA title. This feat was achieved by the Indiana Hoosiers during the 1975-76 season. It was a perfect campaign, which no one has been able to replicate since then.
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Mark Few’s boys know what is at stake and will be doing their best to ensure they can bring home the university’s first NCAA title. They were favorites to win it last season as well, but the tournament got canceled. This time they have a golden opportunity and it could be a fruitful season for the Zags.
