Gonzaga Bulldogs Push for Top 25 Return: Latest Basketball News and Results

Gonzaga Bulldogs continue to strive for a return to the Top 25 despite recent setbacks. A 43-point win against Portland boosted their NET rankings, but they remain just outside the AP poll. Key games against Saint Mary’s and Oregon State will determine their future in the rankings.

Gonzaga’s basketball team, the Bulldogs, is on a mission to reclaim their spot in the Top 25 rankings. Despite a resounding 105-62 victory over Portland, which helped them gain ground in the NET rankings, they still lag behind in the AP poll. The Bulldogs currently sit seventh among teams receiving votes, earning 34 points on Monday.
Their top West Coast Conference (WCC) rival, Saint Mary’s, is closing in on its first Top 25 debut this season, earning 45 points from AP voters. The upcoming game between Gonzaga and Saint Mary’s on Saturday at Moraga will be crucial, not only for conference standings but also for determining which WCC team will be ranked.
Gonzaga’s performance in Quad 1 and Quad 2 games is also under scrutiny. With a 4-6 record in these high-stakes games, they need to go 2-0 this week to improve to .500. Their game against Oregon State on Tuesday is a Q2 opportunity, while their matchup against Saint Mary’s on Saturday is a Q1 challenge.
The NCAA’s NET rankings, which evaluate teams based on performance in various games, are crucial for determining at-large bids for the NCAA Tournament. Gonzaga’s consistent performance in these rankings keeps them in contention for a top seed.
ESPN’s latest bracketology projections have Gonzaga as a No. 7 seed opening the tournament against No. 10 Vanderbilt in Cleveland, Ohio. The Bulldogs are also projected as a No. 9 seed against No. 8 Texas Tech in Lexington, Kentucky, according to CBS Sports projections.

What is Gonzaga’s current ranking in the NET rankings?
Gonzaga is currently ranked No. 16 in the NET rankings.
How many points did Gonzaga earn in the latest AP poll?
Gonzaga earned 34 points in the latest AP poll.
Who is Gonzaga’s top WCC rival?
Gonzaga’s top WCC rival is Saint Mary’s.
What is the significance of the upcoming game between Gonzaga and Saint Mary’s?
The game will determine which WCC team is ranked and will have ramifications at the top of the conference standings.
What are Gonzaga’s projected seeds in the NCAA Tournament?
Gonzaga is projected as a No. 7 seed against No. 10 Vanderbilt and a No. 9 seed against No. 8 Texas Tech.

Gonzaga’s relentless pursuit of a return to the Top 25 is evident in their recent performances. With key games ahead, particularly against Saint Mary’s, the Bulldogs are poised to make significant strides in the rankings. Their consistent performance in the NET rankings keeps them in contention for a top seed in the NCAA Tournament.