Finally, Real Zags Show Up

“This is our Senior Night,” Gonzaga head coach Mark Few tells Vivian Bell, the mother of Bulldog player Gary Bell Jr. during the celebration after beating BYU for the WCC Championship title Tuesday at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. (SR photo: Colin Mulvany)

In the midst of another net-cutting and another confetti shower from the rafters of Orleans Arena, Gonzaga coach Mark Few wrapped an arm around guard Gary Bell Jr. and another around Bell’s mother, Vivian. “This is our Senior Night!” he insisted. “This is our Senior Night!” And who’s to argue? The Bulldogs had just played a glorious game at their favored breakneck pace, at least when it wasn’t interrupted by a whistle. They’d provided major thrills for nearly as many of their dearly devoteds as can fit into their living room back in Spokane. They’d won their 15th game in 17 tries at the Orleans – not Kennel dominance, but nearly. Those were all very Senior Nightish feelings. And this time they won – a 91-75 blistering of Brigham Young to officially book passage to yet another NCAA tournament. Seventeen in a row now. Crazy, people/ John Blanchette , SR. More here.

• Complete photo package of game from SR photog Colin Mulvany
• Play bracketology with 16 best Gonzaga teams in recent history here
• Gonzaga stops BYU to win third straight WCC tournament title /Jim Meehan, SR

Question: Does the Zags’ strong game against BYU increase your hopes that they may have an NCAA Tournament run in them?