1. Gonzaga Bulldogs 28-3, 16-2
Gonzaga is on pace for a top-10 season in program history. The Zags claimed their 23rd regular-season WCC title by sharing it with Saint Mary’s. The Zags, who are 6-2 in their last eight, have claimed 20 conference tournament titles. They are the top seed because they swept Santa Clara, while the Gaels split with the Broncs.
12th-ranked Gonzaga has been dominant for much of the season, with a top-20 offense and the No. 2 defense in the country. The Bulldogs are a highly efficient offensive club despite ranking among the bottom of the conference in 3-point shooting and dead last in free-throw shooting. They are an excellent passing team that moves the ball well and doesn’t commit turnovers.
Defense is Gonzaga’s bread and butter. Gonzaga allows 65.4 points, the second fewest in the league, while holding their opponents to 40.2% from the field. The Bulldogs defend the 3-point line well and don’t foul a lot. They force over 13 turnovers a game during conference play and own a +6.0 rebound margin.
Gonzaga is a veteran-laden and deep team, led by 6-9 senior Graham Ike. Ile led the WCC in scoring at 19.7, and he is efficient, with a league-best 59.4% effective shooting percentage. Ike is also a strong rebounder. While it doesn’t appear that the Bulldogs have injured forward Braden Huff for the conference tournament, guards Tyon Grant-Foster have been solid, and freshman Davis Fogle has stepped up production.
